Ranking the Pro Bowl odds for every significant Steelers player

Steelers pass catchers Pro Bowl odds

Likely: George Pickens

Of all the core receiving threats for this team, I have to like the odds of George Pickens making the Pro Bowl the most. The sophomore receiver appears to have taken his game to the next level, adding some more route diversity and flashed the ability to make a play with the ball in his hands. Add in his seemingly routine big catch and the national spotlight will likely be on him.

The only reason I don’t have him as a lock is that I’m still unsure of how this offense will function each week. If it is as run-heavy as it may seem, the targets may not be there for Pickens. That said, if he can cross the 1000-yard receiving mark and continue to keep his name relevant with insane catches, I think he ultimately gets the nod.

Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth, Diontae Johnson

I wanted to put Pat Freiermuth in the likely section, but I’m just not sure he is there yet. He is undoubtedly a top-five tight end in the AFC and I expect another strong season from him, but he faces some stiff competition.

The AFC Pro Bowl tight end scene has been dominated by Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce. Both are likely set to be voted into the game again assuming they stay healthy, so that leaves Freiermuth as a potential third, which may edge him out of the game. His play may be worthy, but he likely won’t compare to the standard bearers.

Diontae Johnson is in a similar spot as Pickens, although I don’t expect the amazing catch to occur as often with him. If the targets aren’t there, I struggle to see a way for him to make a serious case. The offensive scheme could very well limit the receivers’ Pro Bowl upside.

Not Likely: Calvin Austin

Let me be clear, Calvin Austin won’t make the Pro Bowl on his regular season accolades alone. It will be much more due to his return ability, but we saw Tyreek Hill earn a Pro Bowl nod early in his career because of his returns and his ability to make big plays on offense. It seems slim, but not impossible.

Impossible: Allen Robinson

I love the Allen Robinson addition for this offense, as it gives the offense a capable tough slot receiver that can make the tough catch. That said, I don’t expect this season to be a great one statistically for the veteran. Targets will be tough to come by and add in his limited role in the slot and I don’t see Robinson making enough waves to find his way back to the Pro Bowl.