NFL Power Rankings - Week 11: 1 unheralded Pro Bowl nominee for each team
The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.
This week, we identify one unheralded player from each team worthy of Pro Bowl consideration.
1. Tennessee Titans (8-2)
Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 2
Lost in the noise around Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt is the incredible pass-rushing of Titans linebacker Harold Landry. The 25-year-old has recorded at least 0.5 sacks in each of his last eight games, and he ranks third in the NFL with 10 sacks on the season. A major factor in Tennessee's hot run, Landry deserves Pro Bowl consideration.
2. Green Bay Packers (8-2)Previous Rank: 3
It's looking like the Packers got the steal of the offseason when they inked De'Vondre Campbell to a one-year, $2-million deal. Campbell is graded as the top linebacker by PFF due to his playmaking ability. The veteran has recorded two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 88 tackles. Green Bay's defense has allowed just 11.3 points over its last three games, and that wouldn't be possible without Campbell.
3. Arizona Cardinals (8-2)Previous Rank: 1
For all the credit Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury deserve for what they've accomplished with the Cardinals' offense, linebacker Markus Golden should get equal recognition for his play on defense. With a league-leading four forced fumbles on the season, Golden has been a force. He's also on pace to obliterate his single-season career high of 12.5 sacks - he already has nine.
4. Buffalo Bills (6-3)Previous Rank: 7
There isn't a wrong choice between Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer for the Bills safety most deserving of Pro Bowl consideration. We'll go with Poyer since he's still chasing his first Pro Bowl nod. The 30-year-old has been a field general for Buffalo, notching a team-leading four interceptions in 2021. He's also added a sack and four tackles for loss.
5. Dallas Cowboys (7-2)
Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 8
This spot likely would have gone to Randy Gregory before the Cowboys placed him on injured reserve, but cornerback Anthony Brown has been impressive, too. While Brown's three interceptions fail to match Trevon Diggs' eight picks, there's an argument to be made that the former has been just as good. Brown is graded as a top-20 corner by PFF this season and has a higher coverage score than Diggs.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)Previous Rank: 4
It's difficult to pinpoint an unheralded player on a superstar-driven team like the Buccaneers, but Ali Marpet deserves his due for his play in the trenches. The 28-year-old is currently graded as the league's sixth-best guard by PFF.
7. Los Angeles Rams (7-3)Previous Rank: 5
There's no denying Leonard Floyd gets a massive boost from the constant double-teams Aaron Donald faces. But Floyd is still doing his job on the edge at a high level. With 7.5 sacks on the year, he can't be forgotten in L.A.'s defense.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)Previous Rank: 15
The best center in the NFL this year might not be a seasoned pro. In fact, there's a case to be made that Chiefs rookie Creed Humphrey deserves that honor. Humphrey entered Week 10 with just one sack and five hurries allowed.
9. New England Patriots (6-4)Previous Rank: 12
Who is Adrian Phillips? The veteran defensive back played a key role on defense and special teams for the Chargers from 2014-19, even earning a Pro Bowl nod. Still, he largely went under the radar. But that's all changed in 2021 as Phillips makes a name for himself on defense. He's snagged a career-high three picks - including two against his former club - and forced one fumble.
10. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 6
The Ravens don't have the best track record when it comes to developing pass-rushers, but it looks like they may have bucked that trend with Odafe Oweh. The rookie is outproducing four-time Pro Bowler and teammate Justin Houston in sacks (four to three) and is nearly matching him in quarterback hits (11 to 13) and pressures (17 to 18), according to Pro Football Reference.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)Previous Rank: 9
A contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Rashawn Slater might also secure a trip to the Pro Bowl. The 13th overall pick has been a brick wall at left tackle and played a major role in the Chargers' 4-1 start.
12. New Orleans Saints (5-4)Previous Rank: 10
Marcus Williams has been a model of consistency over his first five NFL seasons, but he's yet to earn a call to the Pro Bowl. Perhaps voters will finally take notice of the Saints' 25-year-old safety, who has multiple interceptions for the fifth straight year. Consistency should be rewarded.
13. Cleveland Browns (5-5)Previous Rank: 11
The Browns' running backs have driven the ball down the field this season, but it's the offensive line that's been getting them from Point A to Point B. While Joel Bitonio gets all the shine, teammate Wyatt Teller has been playing just as well. Teller, who has yet to make a Pro Bowl, is currently PFF's third-ranked guard, and his run-blocking ability is graded higher than Bitonio's.
14. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)Previous Rank: 17
There's flying under the radar, and there's going completely undetected. The latter describes Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart quite well. Stewart has been a mainstay in the trenches for the Colts, holding the fort against opposing rushing attacks. Unfortunately, his is not a flashy position, robbing Stewart of mainstream recognition.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3-1)
Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 14
The lone special teams player in these rankings, it's hard to fully appreciate Chris Boswell's importance to a Steelers team lacking in firepower. He's converted 94.7% of his field-goal attempts, good for second-best in the league (minimum 19 attempts). He's also been incredibly accurate from long range, going a perfect 6-for-6 on 50-plus-yard attempts.
16. Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)Previous Rank: 16
The Bengals gave Chidobe Awuzie a three-year deal this past offseason, and the former Cowboys cornerback has been worth every penny. Awuzie is having a career year in Cincinnati, allowing a career-low 4.8 yards per target and 71.4 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Reference.
17. Minnesota Vikings (4-5)Previous Rank: 21
The Vikings handed Brian O'Neill a major contract extension in the summer, and he's repaid them on the field. O'Neill entered last weekend having allowed just eight pressures through his first eight games, according to PFF.
18. San Francisco 49ers (4-5)Previous Rank: 22
The 49ers have always been able to count on Laken Tomlinson, who's only missed one game since 2017. But the guard has now added superb play to his durability and consistency. Excelling in a contract year, Tomlinson is primed to cash in after anchoring the interior of San Francisco's offensive line.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (5-4)Previous Rank: 13
Casey Hayward had a crucial dropped interception in the Raiders' Sunday night loss to the Chiefs, but it was a rare misstep in a strong campaign for the 32-year-old. Quarterbacks targeting Hayward have completed just 50% of their passes this season, according to Pro Football Reference.
20. Carolina Panthers (5-5)
Mike Comer / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 25
Another year, another under-the-radar season for Haason Reddick. After finishing with 12.5 sacks last season, Reddick already has 9.5 through 10 games in 2021. He's been red-hot of late, recording three sacks and six quarterback hits over his last three contests. The Panthers linebacker could be looking at his first Pro Bowl nod if he continues playing at this level.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)Previous Rank: 26
Known by his nickname, "Gravedigger," Javon Hargrave has spent much of the 2021 season burying quarterbacks. With six sacks through 10 games, Hargrave is on pace for a new career high. While some have voiced concern over the Eagles' defense under Jonathan Gannon, Hargrave has flourished - a testament to his talent.
22. Denver Broncos (5-5)Previous Rank: 18
Javonte Williams has shared the backfield with Melvin Gordon, but he deserves more than his fair share of praise for holding his own against the veteran rusher. Williams has rumbled his way through contact en route to 514 rushing yards. He's also rushed for 4.8 yards or more per carry in seven of his 10 games with the Broncos this season. While he may not have the volume, his efficiency foreshadows a very bright future.
23. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)Previous Rank: 19
Darrell Taylor looked to be exactly what the Seahawks were hoping he'd be through the first portion of the season. The 2020 second-round pick accumulated four sacks in his first five games before suffering a neck injury in Week 6. Taylor has cooled off since returning in Week 8, but he's a dark horse for the Pro Bowl if he can rediscover his earlier pace.
24. Chicago Bears (3-6)Previous Rank: 23
Those who predicted that Allen Robinson would be the Bears' leading receiver at this point in the season find themselves mistaken. That distinction currently belongs to Darnell Mooney, who's putting together a fine second season in the NFL. Playing in a Chicago passing attack that ranks last in yardage, Mooney has become the go-to option, racking up 450 yards and two touchdowns.
25. New York Giants (3-6)
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 24
Year 2 has been a promising one for 2020 second-round safety Xavier McKinney. While he isn't a true household name yet, his playmaking ability has made him a favorite among Giants faithful. McKinney has four interceptions this season, tying him for fourth-most in the NFL.
26. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)Previous Rank: 20
Doom and gloom have surrounded the Falcons' defense, but the team can take solace in rising star A.J. Terrell. The second-year cornerback has operated at a higher level than the rest of an Atlanta defense that ranks 31st in points allowed. Terrell entered Week 10 having surrendered no more than 30 receiving yards in coverage in any game this season, according to PFF.
27. Washington Football Team (3-6)Previous Rank: 29
The man to fear on Washington's defensive line this season isn't Chase Young; it's Jonathan Allen. The 26-year-old has been a force in 2021, recording a quarterback hit in each game, along with six sacks. He's also the third-ranked interior lineman by PFF, trailing only Aaron Donald and Cameron Heyward. That's some solid company.
28. Miami Dolphins (3-7)Previous Rank: 30
Christian Wilkins' stats aren't spectacular on paper: two sacks, six quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. But his true value can be seen by looking beneath the surface. The former 13th overall pick is graded top six among interior defenders, according to PFF.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7)Previous Rank: 27
Josh Allen enjoyed the spotlight for his Week 9 performance against his identically named Bills counterpart, but that wasn't his only noteworthy showing. Allen is coming into his own during his third NFL season, notching a team-high 5.5 sacks. The Jaguars pass-rusher appears to be improving as the year progresses, recording three sacks and six quarterback hits over his last three contests.
30. New York Jets (2-7)
Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 28
The Jets don't have much Pro Bowl talent - if any. But they have to like what they're seeing from rookie running back Michael Carter. Carter has acted as a buffer for a passing attack that's struggled to move the ball. He's accumulated 673 yards from scrimmage over nine games, and his 31 receptions are tied for the team lead.
31. Detroit Lions (0-8-1)Previous Rank: 32
Though the Lions' roster mostly resembles a collection of unwanted goods, T.J. Hockenson is one player any team would add in a heartbeat. The former top-10 pick ranks sixth among tight ends with 448 receiving yards this season.
32. Houston Texans (1-8)Previous Rank: 31
The Texans entered the 2021 campaign focused more on the future than the present. One player who will surely be involved in both is defensive end Jonathan Greenard. The 2020 third-round pick is showing glimpses of his potential, recording seven sacks and one forced fumble this year. If Houston manages to send a representative to the Pro Bowl, Greenard should be the leading candidate.
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