Five of the Biggest 2025 Pro Bowl Snubs That Deserve a Second Look
The Pro Bowl rosters are out, and as always, the selections sparked plenty of debate. For every no-brainer pick, there’s a player left on the outside looking in-despite putting together a season that screams “Pro Bowler.”
This year is no different. Let’s take a closer look at five players who have a legitimate gripe after being left off the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams.
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
Jared Goff has quietly put together one of the most efficient seasons of any quarterback in the league, and somehow, it wasn’t enough to earn a Pro Bowl nod. He’s third in passing yards (4,036) and second in touchdown passes (32), numbers that stack up with just about anyone in the league. But what really sets his 2025 campaign apart is how well he’s protected the football.
Goff’s thrown just five interceptions all season, giving him the lowest interception rate (1.0%) among all qualifying quarterbacks. That’s not just good-it’s elite decision-making in an era where defenses are faster, smarter, and more aggressive than ever. He’s been the steady hand behind a Lions offense that continues to hum, and his command of the system has been nothing short of clinical.
Who we’d swap out: Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Yes, Darnold’s led the Seahawks to a 12-3 record and the NFC’s top seed, and that counts for something.
But he’s also thrown 13 interceptions-more than all but two quarterbacks in the league. Goff, meanwhile, has been the model of consistency and ball security.
Wins matter, but so does the tape-and Goff’s is cleaner.
Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys
What a resurgence it’s been for Javonte Williams. After an underwhelming stint with the Broncos, he’s found new life in Dallas, and it shows.
Williams has already set career highs across the board, with 1,147 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns heading into Week 17. He’s just 141 yards shy of surpassing his combined total from the past two seasons.
This isn’t just a volume story either. The Cowboys are 10th in the league in yards per rush attempt-a massive jump from last year-and Williams is a big reason why.
He’s running with purpose, vision, and power, and he’s doing it behind an offensive line that’s improved but not dominant. Williams has been the engine behind Dallas’ ground game, and he’s earned his spot among the league’s best backs.
Who we’d swap out: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
McCaffrey’s receiving numbers are strong, and his versatility is well-known.
But his rushing efficiency has taken a hit. He’s averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and ranks last among qualifying backs in rush yards over expected-180 yards below expectation on 280 carries.
That’s a significant drop for a player who’s typically among the league’s most dynamic. This year, Williams has simply been better on the ground.
Peter Skoronski, LG, Tennessee Titans
Offensive line play rarely gets the spotlight, especially on a struggling team like the Titans, but Peter Skoronski deserves recognition. The 2023 first-rounder has quietly developed into one of the most reliable interior linemen in the AFC. According to ESPN’s pass-block win rate, Skoronski ranks 12th among all linemen entering Week 17.
And it’s not just in pass protection. Tennessee ranks tied for ninth in yards gained before contact per rush attempt-a stat that reflects the line’s ability to create space.
Skoronski’s athleticism and technique were on full display in last week’s win over the Chiefs, where he pulled with speed and precision to spring a key outside run. He’s doing high-level work, even if the Titans’ offense hasn’t helped highlight it.
Who we’d swap out: Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith has had a solid year and is part of a top-tier offensive line in Kansas City.
He’s allowed just one sack and continues to be a physical presence. But he’s also missed four games due to injury.
In a close race between two talented guards, availability matters-and Skoronski has been there every week, producing at a high level.
Nahshon Wright, CB, Chicago Bears
Talk about a breakout season. Nahshon Wright has gone from not playing a single defensive snap last year with the Vikings to being one of the most productive corners in the league. He’s played 97% of the defensive snaps for a Bears unit that leads the NFL in takeaways (31), and his impact has been undeniable.
Wright is the first player since Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019 to record at least five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in a season. That’s rare company.
His advanced metrics back it up, too-he’s forcing tight-window throws on 24.4% of his targets, compared to 14.5% for Jaycee Horn. He also ranks 10th in coverage EPA among 216 qualifying DBs.
Simply put, he’s been a ballhawk and a shutdown corner rolled into one.
Who we’d swap out: Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
Horn’s been solid, and his interception total matches Wright’s.
But the deeper metrics tell the story. Wright’s been more disruptive in coverage and more impactful overall.
On a Bears defense that thrives on turnovers, he’s been one of the catalysts.
Cam Little, K, Jacksonville Jaguars
When you hit a 68-yard field goal-a new NFL record-you deserve more than just a highlight reel. Cam Little has brought serious firepower to the Jaguars’ kicking game this season, and he’s doing it with flair.
That 68-yarder came before halftime in a dramatic 30-29 overtime win, and it wasn’t a fluke. Little’s leg strength is game-changing.
While Brandon Aubrey was the NFC’s selection and has been excellent in his own right, it’s hard not to imagine what a Pro Bowl featuring both of these big-legged kickers could’ve looked like. Let them line up from 70 and give fans a show.
Who we’d swap out: Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers
Dicker has been as accurate as they come-he’s missed just two kicks all season and is perfect on extra points.
But the Pro Bowl isn’t just about consistency; it’s also about spectacle. Little’s range gives him a unique edge.
For a game that’s more exhibition than competition, he brings the kind of electricity fans want to see.
Final Thoughts
Every year, deserving players get left out of the Pro Bowl. Sometimes it’s due to team performance, sometimes it’s a numbers game, and sometimes it’s just plain oversight.
But make no mistake-Jared Goff, Javonte Williams, Peter Skoronski, Nahshon Wright, and Cam Little all put together Pro Bowl-caliber seasons. They may not have the official nod, but their play speaks volumes.