The first round of Pro Bowl voting is in, and if you're a Detroit Lions fan, there's a lot to smile about. Several Lions are making strong cases for a trip to Orlando, with some even leading the pack at their positions. And while one big name is surprisingly absent from the top 10, the overall showing speaks volumes about how far this roster has come.
Let’s start with the headliner: Jahmyr Gibbs. The second-year running back has been nothing short of electric this season, and fans are taking notice.
Gibbs currently ranks fifth in overall Pro Bowl votes across all positions (24,951), trailing only Jonathan Taylor among running backs-but he leads all NFC backs. That’s not just a popularity contest; it’s recognition of the kind of explosive, all-purpose weapon Gibbs has become in Detroit’s offense.
He’s well on his way to a third Pro Bowl in as many seasons, and if he keeps this up, the Lions’ front office is going to have a very easy decision when it comes time for his next contract.
Two other Lions are currently sitting at the top of their positional leaderboards-and they both represent the kind of foundational talent championship teams are built on.
Penei Sewell is leading all offensive tackles in votes, and frankly, it’s no surprise. He’s posted a 95.7 grade on Pro Football Focus, the best at his position, and is the frontrunner for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award.
Sewell has been a rock on the right side of the line, anchoring a unit that has given Detroit one of the most balanced and efficient offenses in the league. His dominance in both pass protection and run blocking has made him a nightmare for edge rushers and a dream for Lions quarterbacks and running backs.
Then there’s Jack Campbell, who’s having the kind of breakout season that turns heads across the league. The second-year linebacker is currently third among all LBs in PFF grade and is leading the Lions in tackles with 117.
Add in 4.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, and you’ve got a player who’s not just playing at a Pro Bowl level-he’s entering First-Team All-Pro territory. Campbell has emerged as the heart of Detroit’s defense, and his rise couldn’t come at a better time for a unit that’s been inconsistent this year.
But the Lions’ Pro Bowl presence doesn’t stop there. Several other players are making strong pushes:
- Brian Branch is second among strong safeties.
- Jack Fox, one of the most consistent punters in the league, is also second at his position.
- Aidan Hutchinson, the motor of the Lions’ pass rush, is third among defensive ends.
- Kerby Joseph, the ball-hawking free safety, ranks third at his position.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit’s go-to receiver and one of the most reliable targets in the league, is sitting fourth among wideouts.
- Graham Glasgow, a steadying force on the interior offensive line, is seventh among centers.
- Sam LaPorta, the rookie tight end who’s been a key red-zone weapon, is ninth at his position.
- Hogan Hatten, the long snapper, rounds out the list at tenth.
That’s a deep list of contributors-and it reflects just how well-rounded this Lions team has become.
But there’s one name missing from the top 10 that might raise some eyebrows: Jared Goff.
Despite putting together one of his most efficient seasons to date, Goff has yet to crack the top 10 in Pro Bowl voting among quarterbacks. That might be surprising when you look at the numbers.
He’s sixth in passing yards (3,025), second in touchdowns (25), second in completion percentage (69.8%), and third in passer rating (110.2). And he’s done all that while only throwing five interceptions.
So why the snub? It’s possible that a rough outing on national television against the Eagles cooled some momentum.
Meanwhile, six of the top 10 vote-getters at QB are from the NFC, including Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott, Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, Jaxson Dart, and Sam Darnold. Even Baker Mayfield, once a trendy MVP pick earlier this year, finds himself on the outside looking in.
For Goff, though, the focus remains on the bigger picture-getting the Lions back to the playoffs and making a deep run. Still, another Pro Bowl nod would carry weight.
A fifth selection would put Goff in rare company: only three other quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall-John Elway, Troy Aikman, and Peyton Manning-have made it to five Pro Bowls. All three are in Canton.
Goff isn’t there yet, but it’s a reminder of how high the ceiling still is for a quarterback who’s helped turn this franchise around.
Fan voting remains open until December 15, and while final rosters won’t be announced until January, it’s clear that Detroit’s stars are earning respect across the league. Coaches and players will also have their say, with each voting block carrying equal weight. And even if some Lions don’t make the initial cut, there’s always the chance they’ll be added as alternates-unless, of course, Detroit is busy preparing for a certain game in February.
Either way, Pro Bowl voting is more than just a popularity contest. It’s a chance for fans to recognize the players who’ve made this Lions season one to remember. And based on the early returns, the rest of the NFL is starting to take notice.