Schultz: 12 players who deserved more notice from All-Pro selections

Last week, the NFL released its annual All-Pro teams, and the NFLPA issued its first all-star squad as voted by the players. There's only room for so many names but theScore's NFL insider Jordan Schultz looks at some of the players who deserved recognition on one of the lists.

Christian McCaffrey

It's baffling not to have the 49ers running back on any All-Pro roster. Not only was he involved in one of the best midseason trades ever, but McCaffrey has outperformed expectations in San Francisco. Between the Panthers and Niners, he amassed nearly 1,900 total yards and 13 touchdowns and instantly changed the 49ers' entire offense. "It's unfair for Kyle (Shanahan) to have him," one NFL head coach told me. "All the motion, all the deception, then you have McCaffrey just killing teams."

Maxx Crosby

Talk about a return on investment. Crosby, the Raiders' fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan, isn't just one of the best edge rushers in football, but flat-out one of the best defensive players in the league. After signing a four-year, $94-million extension last offseason, the 25-year-old had arguably his best year yet, totaling 81 pressures, according to PFF - second only to Micah Parsons (98) and Nick Bosa (90) - and leading the position with 41 defensive stops. Crosby is super-durable as well. He logged 1,082 snaps, almost 90 more than Parsons.

Tyson Campbell Tim Warner / Getty Images

Campbell is as tough as he is talented, the perfect embodiment of Jacksonville's young defense. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, the cornerback can press with the best of them - not only because of his physicality, but because of his raw technique and speed. Plus, he gets better every week. In 17 starts, Campbell totaled three interceptions, 15 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, two tackles for loss, and a defensive touchdown. "Without question, one of the best young DBs in the league," the head coach told me.

Dre Greenlaw

Those who know, know: the 49ers' Greenlaw is one of the best linebackers in the league. Fred Warner gets most of the credit - and for good reason - but Greenlaw is as sure-handed a tackler as any, not to mention he can cover, a huge bonus for defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and the NFL's top-ranked defense. The former fifth-round pick from Arkansas set career highs in solo tackles (82), forced fumbles (two), and fumbles recovered (two).

Lavonte David

At 32 years young, David remains a machine for Tampa Bay. He's extremely sound and skilled, with the addition of the classic Nebraska Blackshirt toughness. He's very smart and well-prepared, and he's athletic enough to reach gaps he really has no business filling - hence the impressive 127 tackles.

Laremy Tunsil

There weren't a ton of bright spots for Houston this year, but don't blame superstar left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Equally deft in pass protection and the running game, Tunsil's wide body and short area quickness help him against the game's premier edge defenders.

Quinnen Williams Kathryn Riley / Getty Images

Williams was an absolute wrecking ball for the Jets' interior defensive line all season. He plays the run, the pass, he tracks down plays on the sideline two gaps away - he's just awesome. He received a first-team nod from the NFL's All-Pro voting panel but was left off the NFLPA list in favor of Aaron Donald. Only 25 years old, the former Alabama superstar and third overall pick has cemented himself as a building block in Robert Saleh's defense. Williams is currently under contract for less than $10 million next season, and extending him long-term will surely be a top priority for GM Joe Douglas.

Austin Ekeler

Forget the Pro Bowl. Ekeler's biggest snub was not making an All-Pro team. The NFL leader in touchdowns each of the past two years (20 in 2021 and 18 in 2022), Ekeler's an equally dominant runner and pass catcher. The former undrafted free agent from Division 2 Western Colorado is the engine that makes the Bolts' offense tick.

Derrick Brown

Brown had a sensational season in Carolina, showcasing the full arsenal of tools that made him the seventh pick in the draft three years ago. A space-eating run stuffer, he's now added some pass-rushing chops, too, sprinkling in seven pass deflections - which tied for second-most by a defensive lineman. Brown also surpassed Kawann Short's single-season club record of 55 tackles by a Panthers defensive tackle.

Christian Darrisaw David Berding / Getty Images

He's one of my favorite players in the league, regardless of position. Darrisaw, a 23-year-old Vikings left tackle, is a true dancing bear with finesse, skill, and raw power. The former first-round pick out of Virginia Tech was one of the best linemen in the league before a concussion sidelined him for multiple games.

CeeDee Lamb

Lamb took a big step in his third season, proving to be Dak Prescott's favorite target once again in Dallas while also dominating corners with his special blend of speed, skill, and raw talent. Lamb, 23, ranked sixth in touchdowns (nine), fifth in catches (109), and sixth in receiving yards (1,359). "He's almost unguardable because of his combination of size and speed," a personnel executive told me. "His releases have really improved too."

Geno Smith

After eight years backing up the likes of Eli Manning and Russell Wilson, Smith earned his first Pro Bowl while guiding Seattle to an unlikely playoff appearance and leading the league in completion percentage. At 32 years old, Smith's maturity and appreciation for the game are as much to credit for his success as his talent. Smith and Patrick Mahomes were the only QBs that recorded 10 games with a QB rating of 100 or more this season. He is a surefire bet to sign a massive, multi-year deal in the offseason.

Jordan Schultz is theScore's NFL insider and senior NBA reporter. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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