Buffalo Bills: 5 players that could make the 2017 Pro Bowl
By Ryan Brennan
WR Sammy Watkins
If we’re talking pure talent and explosiveness, Sammy Watkins is no doubt one of the better wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately, this is a league of ‘what have you done for me lately’ and when talking about Watkins’ production on the field, concerns arise.
To be fair, last season was the first season that injuries fully limited Watkins’ production. In his first two seasons, he was injured but only missed a total of three games. He managed to combine for 125 receptions, 2,029 yards and 15 touchdowns over that span.
It’s important to note that Watkins dealt with a lot of injuries over that span, including his ribs, hip, groin, hamstring, calf and ankle.
Fast forward to last season, Watkins only appeared in 8 games strictly due to a foot fracture. Much like Marcell Dareus, he wasn’t the same when he returned. Over those 8 games, he just combined for 28 receptions, 430 yards and 2 touchdowns. Most of those stats came in the final two games of the season — by that time, it was too late.
In order for Sammy Watkins to make the Pro Bowl roster in 2017, he’s going to have to get healthy first. It seems like he is on the right track to make that happen by Week 1 and I feel a little more confident than I was last year. McDermott isn’t the type of coach to sugar-coat anything, unlike Rex.
Expect a healthy start from Watkins. If he can re-gain his chemistry with Tyrod Taylor quickly, then the Buffalo Bills’ offense will be much scarier through the air than they were last season — which was one of the worst in the league.
Prove them wrong, Watkins.
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Which players not on this list do you expect to make a run for a Pro Bowl spot in 2017? There’s plenty to choose from, leave your thoughts in the comments section below!