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Patriots: 3 players who could make their first Pro Bowl in 2020

By Patrick Morgan

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots is seen before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots is seen before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

1. Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman was arguably the biggest snub of the 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando. Along with Devin McCourty, he was certainly the biggest from New England’s roster, specifically.

As I wrote last December, not only did Edelman have a career year for himself in 2019 — he also had one of the best seasons amongst all his NFL receiver brethren too.

This was my argument (and I still stand behind it six months later):

"In the AFC, there are only two wide receivers who currently rank top 10 in targets, top 10 in receptions, top 15 in receiving yards, and who have scored six or more receiving touchdowns. Their names are DeAndre Hopkins and Julian Edelman, and they should be the top two wideouts on the AFC Pro Bowl roster and the designated starters."

Hopkins was indeed named a Pro Bowl starter, but alongside Keenan Allen instead of Edelman. Jules didn’t even get in as an alternate — that honor was shared by Tyreek Hill and Jarvis Landry.

Many are predicting Edelman’s production will plummet with the absence of Tom Brady throwing him the ball this year, but I actually believe there’s no reason to think that just yet. Whether Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham is lining up under center, no wideout on the Patriots roster currently has as high a ceiling or as safe a floor as No. 11.

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Add in the fact that Hopkins now plays in the NFC, and it seems like this could finally be Julian Edelman’s year to break through and earn the first Pro Bowl nomination of his 12-year New England Patriots career.

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