Aaron Donald, DT, second Pro Bowl selection: Better get used to this. Donald earned his second Pro Bowl bid in as many seasons after putting together one of the best seasons by an interior defensive lineman in recent memory. His 11 sacks are first among defensive tackles and he's second among all defensive linemen in tackles. Donald also ranks near the top of the league in quarterback hits, pressures and tackles for loss. Getting the Pro Bowl nod seemed like a mere formality. The real question is whether he'll get the respect he deserves when it comes time to vote for the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award.
Johnny Hekker, P, second Pro Bowl selection: Consistent excellence has been the name of the game for Hekker, who despite tying for the NFL lead in most punts, has still maintained the best gross punting average and the second-best net punting average. He also ranks near the top of the league in punts inside the opponent's 20 and punts inside the opponent's 5. His first Pro Bowl bid came two years ago after one of the best seasons by a punter in league history. This one hasn't been far off.
Todd Gurley, RB, first Pro Bowl selection: Gurley's selection is made all the more impressive by the fact that his sample size is much smaller than his competition. What isn't much smaller is his production. Gurley is one of just three running backs with more than 1,000 rushing yards, and his nine rushing touchdowns is good for third at his position. Gurley also has 11 carries of 20-plus yards, which is second only to Tampa Bay's Doug Martin. Like Donald, it's probably best to get used to seeing Gurley in this position.
