NFC North Pro Bowlers: Packers Get None, Lions Lead Way with 5 Selections
Josh Frey
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On Wednesday night, the NFL released the 2024 Pro Bowl Games rosters for both the AFC and NFC.
The Minnesota Vikings had a pair of players selected to join the team, and a total of eight players from the NFC North made the NFC roster. Here is a look at each player from the division who were voted in by the fans, coaches, and players.
Chicago Bears
DE Montez Sweat
The Chicago Bears made a big trade at the deadline to bring in Montez Sweat and improve their defense. It certainly has worked out in their favor as the pass-rusher has put together 22 tackles, three tackles for loss, and six sacks over his eight games in a Bears uniform. Chicago has gone 5-3 with Sweat in the defensive lineup, and they have allowed 20 or fewer points in six of those games.
CB Jaylon Johnson
At one point in time, it seemed like Jaylon Johnson would be traded away from the Bears this season. The cornerback was granted permission to seek a trade at the deadline, but he was not moved. This has not prevented Johnson from being one of the best cornerbacks in the league, though. He has recorded four interceptions this season and has the highest PFF grade at the position (90.8).
Detroit Lions
TE Sam LaPorta
The Lions selected Sam LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has turned in one of the best seasons at the position. The rookie tight end has put together 81 receptions, 860 receiving yards, and 9 TDs this year. That touchdown total is tied for the most among all rookies with Vikings WR Jordan Addison.
RT Penei Sewell
Penei Sewell was the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft for a reason. He’s a fantastic player at the tackle position, and despite some struggles swapping over to the RT spot during his rookie season, he has now been selected to Pro Bowls in both 2022 and 2023.
C Frank Ragnow
Frank Ragnow had some injury troubles in 2021, but outside of that, he has been one of the best centers in the league for a long time. 2023 marks his third Pro Bowl selection since 2020, and PFF has him as the top center in the league this year, grading him at 87.7.
DE Aidan Hutchinson
After turning in a strong conclusion to his rookie season, Aidan Hutchinson has led Detroit’s pass-rush to the tune of 47 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, seven passes defended, and three forced fumbles.
ST Jalen Reeves-Maybin
The Lions have some solid depth at their linebacker spot right now, which has relegated veteran Jalen Reeves-Maybin to a special teams role. Still, he has made the most of that role. Not only has he made plays in coverage, but he’s also helped Detroit convert a couple fake punts over the course of the season.
Green Bay Packers
No Pro Bowlers, Five Alternates
Despite a strong second half of the year, no Green Bay Packers were selected to the initial Pro Bowl roster this year. However, they do have five alternates on their squad: OLB Rashan Gary, DL Kenny Clark, LG Elgton Jenkins, CB Jaire Alexander, and KR Keisean Nixon.
Minnesota Vikings
OLB Danielle Hunter
Danielle Hunter has been one of the premier defenders in the league this season, and at times, he has almost single-handedly carried Minnesota’s pass-rush. The 29-year-old defender has put together career-high numbers almost across the board this season. Hunter’s 21 tackles for loss tie for the league-lead with Maxx Crosby, and his 15.5 sacks come in fifth across the NFL.
LS Andrew DePaola
The long-snapper position isn’t one that gets a lot of love at the NFL level. However, the Vikings have one of the best at the position in Andrew DePaola. The 36-year-old has earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and could be in line for another first-team All-Pro selection at the end of the year as well.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.