Pro Bowl Watch: Seahawks Stars Making Noise - and a Few Getting Snubbed
The Pro Bowl fan voting is officially underway, and while some teams are simply playing out the string in December, the Seahawks are right in the thick of meaningful football. But beyond the playoff chase, a handful of Seattle players are making strong cases for Pro Bowl recognition - and a few are raising eyebrows for being left out.
Let’s break down who’s getting deserved attention, who’s flying under the radar, and who’s somehow still being overlooked despite the numbers screaming otherwise.
Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Deserves the Spotlight
Let’s start with the obvious: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is playing like a Pro Bowler.
According to SumerSports’ positional rankings - which, to be clear, aren’t official Pro Bowl tallies but still offer a smart analytical lens - Smith-Njigba is right there among the league’s best. He’s listed alongside Puka Nacua, tied in the rankings and separated only by alphabetical order. And while Justin Jefferson’s inclusion feels more like a nod to past dominance than current production, Smith-Njigba is earning his spot on merit.
He’s not just producing - he’s evolving. Week after week, he’s showing a command of route-running, timing, and physicality that puts him in elite company. His growth has been one of the most exciting developments in Seattle’s offense this year.
Fullback: Robbie Ouzts Making a Name for Himself
Robbie Ouzts might not be a household name - or even a fantasy football factor - but he’s quietly putting together a season that’s earned him respect from film junkies and analysts alike.
Despite missing four games, Ouzts ranks fourth among fullbacks in SumerSports’ metrics. He’s not the Kyle Juszczyk type who racks up receptions, but his blocking has been flat-out dominant. NFL analyst Brian Baldinger has already spotlighted his work, and for good reason - Ouzts brings a level of physicality and consistency that’s hard to miss when you’re watching the tape.
Tight End: AJ Barner’s All-Around Impact
AJ Barner might not have gaudy stats - 386 yards and four touchdowns won’t turn heads on a fantasy leaderboard - but his impact goes well beyond the box score.
Barner’s value comes in the details: red zone execution, blocking, and efficiency. He’s been a key cog in Seattle’s offense, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His total Expected Points Added (EPA) is impressive, especially considering he’s only run about 40% of the routes that someone like Trey McBride has.
And let’s not overlook the fact that Barner has taken on the role of Seattle’s “Tush Push” specialist - a subtle but telling indicator of trust from the coaching staff.
Cornerback: Injuries Derail a Promising Duo
Seattle’s defense has been lights out, but injuries have kept two key names off the Pro Bowl radar: Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori. Both missed significant time early in the season, and that absence is likely keeping them out of the conversation - for now.
Witherspoon, in particular, was poised for a breakout campaign. His physicality, instincts, and versatility were on full display before the injury bug hit. If he finishes strong, there’s still time to build some late-season momentum.
Defensive Tackle: Leonard Williams Snubbed Again
Now here’s where things get frustrating. Leonard Williams is once again being overlooked, and it’s hard to make sense of it.
Let’s go to the numbers. Compared to Kobie Turner - who did make the list - Williams holds a clear edge across the board:
- Sacks: Williams 7, Turner 4.5
- Tackles: Williams 50, Turner 34
- Tackles for Loss: Williams 7, Turner 5
- QB Hits: Williams 19, Turner 9
- Pressures: Williams 26, Turner 13
- Run Stops: Williams leads the league among DTs with 32
This isn’t a close call. Williams is dominating in every meaningful metric.
He’s a disruptive force up front, a leader on a top-tier defense, and a massive reason why Seattle has been able to control the line of scrimmage. Yet somehow, he’s not even cracking the top tier of Pro Bowl consideration?
It’s not a scheme issue. SumerSports ranked defensive tackles, defensive ends, and outside linebackers separately.
There’s room for him - he’s just not being given it. And while we’re here, Byron Murphy deserves a mention too.
He’s been equally impactful and just as overlooked.
Free Safety: Coby Bryant Deserves More Love
Coby Bryant has quietly been one of the smartest, most consistent safeties in the league this year - and he’s finally starting to get some recognition.
Bryant has generated four turnovers and is playing with a level of discipline and awareness that anchors the back end of Seattle’s defense. But let’s talk about coverage numbers, because they tell the story:
- Passer Rating Allowed (Coby Bryant): 60 - the best of his career
- Passer Rating Allowed (Jalen Ramsey): 116 - the worst of his career
That’s not a slight at Ramsey, but it does highlight how underappreciated Bryant’s season has been. He’s not just holding his own - he’s excelling, and doing it in a defense that’s been one of the stingiest in the league.
Final Thoughts: The Offense Is Earning Respect - The Defense Deserves More
It’s been a long time since Seattle’s offense had this many Pro Bowl-caliber contributors. Smith-Njigba, Barner, and Ouzts are each carving out meaningful roles and getting noticed for it. That’s a big deal for a franchise that’s spent much of the past decade leaning on its defense.
But make no mistake - this defense is still the backbone of the team. It’s been physically and mentally dismantling opponents all season. And yet, somehow, only one defensive player is cracking the top six at his position?
There are still four games left. That’s four more chances for guys like Williams, Bryant, Witherspoon, and Emmanwori to force their way into the conversation. If the defense keeps up this pace - and if the voters are paying attention - don’t be surprised if the Pro Bowl picture looks very different by the time the final ballots are counted.