NFL Insider Reveals Biggest 2026 Pro Bowl Snubs, Including Jordan Davis and Kyle Pitts
In 2025, the NFL arguably has never had a deeper level of talent, and with that depth, players are constantly overlooked — whether that be for the new contract they hoped for or recognition from both fellow players and fans. This is a constant theme when Pro Bowl voting arrives each year. With only 44 players selected from each conference, guys more than deserving of a spot often get turned away. This year is no different: the AFC and NFC rosters were announced on Tuesday. Who are the most prominent names left out?
1. Jordan Davis, Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle
In 2025, Davis continued his trajectory into becoming one of the top defensive tackles in the league. Originally drafted 13th overall in the 2022 NFL draft, Davis boasts a 6’6″, 336-pound frame, which allows him to disrupt the pass and run game with ease. Career highs of 4.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, and six pass deflections highlight his impact on a team with the sixth most sacks in the NFL, as well as an NFC Defensive Player of the Week accolade after a dominant performance against the Detroit Lions.
2. Nashon Wright, Chicago Bears Cornerback
Likely the most unexpected player on the list, Wright has made himself a household name this season. After spending his first three years mainly as a depth and special teams player on the Dallas Cowboys, as well as a short stint as a Minnesota Viking, Wright signed a one-year deal with Chicago.
Wright was forced into action after a groin injury caused star cornerback Jaylon Johnson to miss the majority of the year. Standing at 6’4, Wright is one of the tallest at his position in the league, allowing him to snag five interceptions and break up 11 passes on the defense that leads the league in turnovers. His efforts in November landed him the NFC Defensive Player of the Month.
3. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons Tight End
Pitts, a notable name from being drafted 4th overall in 2021, has enjoyed a productive, under-the-radar season while catching balls from both Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins. He’s nearly on pace to record his second 1,000-yard receiving season, raking in 80 catches, 854 yards and five touchdowns, including an explosive performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he went for 166 yards on 11 catches and three touchdowns. He’s easily been the second most reliable pass catcher on the roster, and remained a mismatch even when No. 1 receiver Drake London missed time.
4. Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers Defensive Tackle
Out of nowhere, the Panthers’ defense has turned around, and it shouldn’t be surprising that Brown is a key reason. He’s already been known as an elite run stuffer, but he’s made a concerted effort to impact the pass game this season, with five sacks to count. Collapsing the interior has allowed the secondary to be stickier in coverage, shortening the opposing quarterback’s time to read the field. He’s a huge reason Carolina currently leads the NFC South.
5. Marcus Jones, New England Patriots Return Specialist
Whether it’s related to the new kickoff rules or not, returners have had an unusually large amount of success this year, and Jones is no stranger to that. He’s made game-changing plays throughout the year, though 88 and 94-yard punt return touchdowns against the Panthers and New York Giants steal the spotlight. Jones also ranks second in the NFL punt return average with 12.5, as well as total return yards, with 1,007.
6. Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Brooks has been an absolute tackling machine for the Dolphins, totaling an NFL-leading 169 tackles — including 20 in one game against the Washington Commanders — the most by any defender this season. While the defense around him has struggled at times, he’s been a constant positive. Outside of accruing tackles, Brooks has added 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble, showing how widely he can impact the game.
7. Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars Linebacker
No one can tell the story of the upstart Jaguars without mentioning Lloyd, who led Jacksonville to the 9th-best defense according to PFSN’s defensive impact rankings. He has consistently displayed explosiveness throughout the year, most notably with a 99-yard interception return against the Kansas City Chiefs, which catapulted him to prominence. That was part of a September campaign in which he was named Defensive Player of the Month, helping the Jaguars go 3-1 in that span.
Without him, who knows if Jacksonville would be in a position to steal the top seed in the AFC late in December?
8. Kamari Lassiter, Houston Texans Cornerback
One of the unsung heroes of the elite Texans’ defense has been Lassiter. Despite his running mate, Derek Stingley Jr., getting the majority of the praise, Lassiter has proven himself to be one of the most reliable players of the entire defensive unit. Not only does he have four interceptions, but he is also a proven contributor in run support. Having such a strong second cornerback has allowed the Texans to get after the pass rusher even more, with a sack rate of 7.59% — first in the NFL.
Article written by
Jack Aaron
