The unveiling of the rosters for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games comes at a strategic moment in the NFL season, acting as a pause before diving into Week 18 and wrapping up the regular season.

The choices made for the Pro Bowl still represent a certain level of recognition, as the event seeks to solidify its place in the fan’s heart amidst changes in its format. Although discussions regarding Pro Bowl snubs may seem trivial since many players will likely join later due to withdrawals, these conversations demonstrate the league’s ability to generate excitement around events that might otherwise seem insignificant.

Here are the most notable players who were overlooked in the recent rosters, along with an analysis of their cases for selection:

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes may not have a strong argument for making the initial roster, largely due to the fierce competition among AFC quarterbacks, which includes MVP contenders like Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. These players have outperformed the two-time NFL MVP in various statistical categories this season. Nonetheless, it’s surprising for Mahomes to be listed as an alternate after consistently being named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first six seasons as a starter.

This year, Mahomes has achieved a personal high with five fourth-quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives, showcasing his crucial role in a team that has a perfect 11-0 record in close games. He also boasts a career-best completion rate of 67.5%, although his average of 6.8 yards per attempt is a historic low for him, as he deals with the Chiefs’ various issues in their offensive line and receiving corps. As he aims for a historic third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, it’s likely that he isn’t too concerned about missing the game.

A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Brown’s candidacy may have suffered due to missing three games from a hamstring injury. However, he still achieved more receiving yards than Terry McLaurin (1,079 to 1,034) and demonstrated impressive efficiency, as his 3.67 yards per route run were second only to Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams among those running over 200 routes. While Brown’s numbers may not reflect his impact on an offense that relies heavily on the run, his overall performance is certainly comparable to those who did make the roster.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Securing a Pro Bowl spot as a rookie can be quite challenging without the perfect mix of performance, visibility, and position opportunity. Thomas made a strong case with fifth-most receiving yards in the NFL (1,179), despite only starting with Trevor Lawrence for 11 games this season. However, he might have lacked in exposure and opportunity, particularly as the Jaguars struggled through a 4-12 season. Notably, Thomas recorded six more touchdowns than Jerry Jeudy, who was named a starter even though a significant portion of his yardage came from a single game.

Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins

There wasn’t much debate over the selection of tight ends in the AFC, especially with rookie Brock Bowers setting records and Travis Kelce leading the fan voting. Nevertheless, Smith deserves recognition for having a stellar season as an eighth-year player. He outperformed Kelce in receiving yards (828 to 823) and touchdowns (seven to three), despite having 18 fewer receptions and 34 fewer targets. Mark Andrews also warranted a mention.

Leonard Williams, Interior DL, Seattle Seahawks

Comparing interior defensive linemen can be quite tricky since differing schemes and roles can influence their output. However, Williams stands out with a tie for the highest sack total (nine) among interior players and ranking fourth at his position for pass rush win rate, according to ESPN. Even though this may become irrelevant if Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants continues his recovery from a dislocated elbow, Williams had a solid argument for being selected over Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Trent McDuffie, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

McDuffie seems unable to break through into the Pro Bowl despite missed recognition last year even after earning first-team All-Pro honors. In 2024, he reiterated his capabilities by allowing even fewer yards per reception (10.1 compared to 10.5) and achieving a lower passer rating when targeted (82.9 versus 94.4), also recording two interceptions for the first time in his career. The AFC cornerback lineup is notably competitive, with Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots and Christian Benford of the Buffalo Bills also not making the cut. Either of these players or McDuffie could have easily replaced Denzel Ward from the Cleveland Browns or Marlon Humphrey from the Ravens.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

It feels odd to keep discussing a team that has the third-most Pro Bowl selections. That said, Mitchell might not even be the biggest oversight from Philadelphia, considering players like A.J. Brown and left tackle Jordan Mailata seem to be more prominent cases. However, Mitchell, the first-round draft choice from Toledo, has turned in a debut season that earns him consideration for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, having successfully contained high-caliber receivers including Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, and Mike Evans, taking on a significant role in the Eagles’ secondary. Meanwhile, Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers, despite receiving little support, still made the roster ahead of Mitchell and others, despite some dismal stats with six allowed touchdowns and a passer rating of 92.7 when targeted, as noted by Pro Football Reference.

Kerby Joseph, FS, Detroit Lions

Joseph may have been overlooked due to the Lions’ strong representation, especially with Teammate Brian Branch is vying for one of the NFC’s safety positions. It raises the question of whether a player who hasn’t yet made a name for himself can get the recognition he deserves, even after a standout season. It’s particularly puzzling how a player with the league’s highest interception count at nine could be overlooked, especially since he topped the fan voting for his position. Joseph’s success isn’t solely due to fortunate turnovers; he also boasts 12 passes defended this season and has recorded four interceptions in each of his first two years. Had he played in the AFC, he might have outperformed Minkah Fitzpatrick for the spot.