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Most Denver Broncos fans were probably expecting the team to get snubbed in the Pro Bowl selections, largely due to the Broncos’ late-season swoon. But it’s hard to ignore the dominant play of linebacker-defensive-end hybrid Elvis Dumervil, the NFL sack leader after week 16 with 17 sacks.
Dumervil (pictured) and four of his teammates have been named to the Pro Bowl, giving Broncos fans something to watch the week before the Super Bowl. Dumervil will be joined by cornerback Champ Bailey, safety Brian Dawkins, wide receiver Brandon Marshall, and left tackle Ryan Clady (via The Denver Post).
Bailey is making his ninth Pro Bowl appearance in 11 seasons in the NFL, tied with Hall of Famer Mike Haynes for the most Pro Bowl trips by a cornerback.
In another article, the Post points out (free registration required) that Dumervil, a free agent at the end of the year, will likely become one of the Broncos’ re-signing priorities, although they’ll also need to figure out what to do about Marshall, quarterback Kyle Orton, tight end Tony Scheffler, and guard Chris Kuper.
What the Broncos do in terms of re-signing stars and free agency will be a very thorny issue moving forward and could create a good deal of drama. For now, let’s be happy about our guys in the Pro Bowl.
A complete list of the Pro Bowl roster (via Sports Illustrated) shows the Broncos delegation among the top-flight NFL players at their positions, even if there are some notable snubs. Among the worst, in my opinion, is the omission of San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, a product of the University of Northern Colorado who has emerged as a dominant receiver (via Chargers fan blog Bolts From the Blue).