Detroit Lions Shine in Pro Bowl Selections: A Deep Dive into Their Roster

The Detroit Lions have been making waves this season, and their outstanding performance is reflected in the 2024 Pro Bowl selections. The team is well-represented with seven players making it onto the original ballot, tying the franchise record for the most players chosen. Additionally, the Lions had 11 players named as alternates, with one of the most notable snubs of all time. Let’s break down who made the cut and why they deserve the recognition.

Original Ballot Selections

Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs has had a standout season, and it seems like he’s only gotten better as the weeks have gone on. When fan voting ended, Gibbs had accumulated the second-most votes in the NFL, a testament to his impressive performance. With 1,759 total yards and 16 total touchdowns, Gibbs has been a pivotal player for the Lions. This marks his second Pro Bowl appearance, and it’s well-deserved.

Jared Goff
Jared Goff is having a career year, ranking second in passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes. His remarkable performance has made him one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and it’s no surprise that he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. This will be Goff’s fourth Pro Bowl appearance, solidifying his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to shine as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. This is his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, a testament to his consistency and elite level of play. While he may not have made the All-Pro team this season, his efforts were enough to earn him another Pro Bowl nod. Remarkably, this is the one he was voted in for, not his massive breakout season last year.

Penei Sewell
Penei Sewell is widely regarded as the best tackle in the league, and his inclusion in the Pro Bowl was inevitable. Sewell garnered the most votes among all right tackles, which is a testament to his dominance on the field. This will be his third straight Pro Bowl, and there’s no question he deserves it.

Frank Ragnow
Frank Ragnow has been exceptional this season, continuing to perform at a high level. He has not allowed a sack since Week 6, a remarkable feat for any center. Ragnow led all centers in fan voting, earning him his fourth Pro Bowl selection. His consistent play in the trenches has been vital to the Lions’ success.

Brian Branch
Brian Branch has had an impressive year, excelling as a safety and even playing nickel corner. His versatility on defense helped him lead the league in fan votes for strong safeties. This is his first Pro Bowl selection, and it’s well-deserved given his strong performances throughout the season.

Jack Fox
Jack Fox is widely regarded as the best punter in football, and this year he earned his second Pro Bowl selection. His consistency and ability to flip the field have been key to the Lions’ special teams success, and he’s proven himself as one of the top players at his position.

Alternates

Kerby Joseph (2nd Alternate)
Kerby Joseph is having a season that could very well warrant Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He leads the NFL in interceptions and has been outstanding in coverage. It’s baffling that Joseph wasn’t on the original ballot, as he’s been one of the most impactful defensive players in the league. This snub has become one of the biggest debates of the season, and it’s hard to understand why he was left out.

Kevin Zeitler (3rd Alternate)
Kevin Zeitler has been a tremendous addition to the Lions’ offensive line, and his performance has been one of the best among guards in the league. His ability to upgrade the offensive line has been crucial for the Lions’ offensive success, especially when compared to the previous struggles with Jonah Jackson. Zeitler deserves a spot on the roster, and it’s unclear whether he’ll remain in Detroit for the long term.

Sam LaPorta (1st Alternate)
While Sam LaPorta didn’t quite replicate the success of his rookie season, he still had a solid campaign that showcased his abilities as a top tight end. His sophomore slump is understandable, as many players face similar challenges, but his performances were enough to earn him the first alternate spot for the Pro Bowl.

Akim McNeil (3rd Alternate)
Despite suffering an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season, Akim McNeill still earned a spot as a third alternate. His contributions on the defensive line were crucial for the Lions, and it’s a shame he won’t be able to participate in the Pro Bowl this year.

Kalif Raymond (1st Alternate)
Kalif Raymond’s contributions to the Lions as a return specialist earned him a first alternate spot. If not for an injury, Raymond could have been on the Pro Bowl roster this season. His explosiveness in the return game has been a major asset for the Lions all season long.

Jake Bates (1st Alternate)
Jake Bates, the rookie from the UFL, made a surprising appearance as a first alternate. His performance this season has been impressive, and it’s a testament to his growth and development in the league.

David Montgomery (3rd Alternate)
David Montgomery has been a key player for the Lions this season, and despite missing some time due to injury, he still received recognition for his excellent performances. His contributions on the ground were vital to the team’s success.

Graham Glasgow (4th Alternate)
Graham Glasgow, another team leader, was honored with a fourth alternate selection. His play in the interior offensive line has been crucial to the Lions’ success this season.

Jack Campbell (4th Alternate)
Jack Campbell is a rising star for the Lions, and it’s likely that this won’t be the last time we see him on a Pro Bowl ballot. His skills and leadership are undeniable, and he’s poised to make a Pro Bowl appearance in the near future.

DJ Reader (7th Alternate)
DJ Reader rounds out the list as the seventh alternate, a rare occurrence given how deep the alternate list goes. It’s a great recognition of his performance and an indication that his presence is being noticed across the league.

Conclusion

The Detroit Lions are undeniably one of the most talented teams in the NFL this season, and their Pro Bowl selections are a testament to that. With seven players making the original ballot and 11 players earning alternate spots, it’s clear that the Lions are building something special. Though there were some snubs, the future looks bright for Detroit, and it’s only a matter of time before more players join this prestigious list.