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5 defensive players who could make their 1st Pro Bowl in 2016

Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

The Pro Bowl may not have the credibility it once did, with players often opting out of the All-Star game and forcing others to step in that don't necessarily deserve to be there.

But more often than not, the right players are initially chosen. Sometimes players receive instant Pro-Bowl recognition, while others have to wait until later in their careers for fans to catch up to their production.

We looked at five offensive players in line to make their first Pro Bowl appearances Saturday. Now, let's examine which defensive up-and-coming non-rookies could join them:

Bruce Irvin, Raiders

As part of maybe the best defense in recent memory with the Seattle Seahawks, linebacker Irvin was often overlooked in favor of players like Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, and Earl Thomas. He was an integral part of the unit, but the former first-round pick's stats never reflected his impact (38 total tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2015).

Now that he's part of the Oakland Raiders, however, Irvin is set to be one of the team's stars. The 28-year-old was rarely used as a pass rusher with Seattle, but Oakland have signaled their intent to use him more from the edge.

Burgeoning superstar Khalil Mack should be the focus of the Raiders' opponents, meaning Irvin may have the opportunities to rack up the sack numbers that make a Pro Bowl invite much more likely.

Jadeveon Clowney, Texans

Houston Texans defensive end Clowney's career seems to have already been written off, just two seasons after he was drafted first overall.

But while his play on the field has been disappointing, it's poor health that's caused many to label him a bust. Clowney was limited to four games in his rookie year and eventually needed microfracture surgery the following offseason, a procedure known for sapping players of their athleticism.

A foot injury also slowed Clowney in 2015, but he still produced glimpses of the dominant player he was expected to be. The 23-year-old was a stout run defender and produced a respectable 4.5 sacks.

With J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus drawing attention, and because of his standing as a former top pick, Clowney should begin his career turnaround in 2016 with a Pro Bowl appearance.

Stephon Gilmore, Bills

Buffalo Bills cornerback Gilmore was a prime candidate to make his first Pro Bowl in 2015, but injuries cut his season short.

While a contract standoff could cause Gilmore to be distracted in 2016, it's likely the former first-round pick uses the opportunity to put together a standout season that'll prove his worth to Buffalo, as well as other potential suitors.

Rex Ryan's defense is designed to help a shutdown corner excel, and Gilmore's ability to force turnovers and make jaw-dropping plays should draw the attention of fans around the league.

Derek Wolfe, Broncos

It usually takes a season for fans to recognize the impact of lesser-known players on dominant defenses, and Denver Broncos defensive end Wolfe falls squarely into that category.

Wolfe was one of the key components of the Broncos' league-best defense in 2015, making 49 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 12 games. If his performances during the playoffs - where he was a constant presence in opponents' backfields and racked up 2.5 sacks - were any indication, Wolfe is on the verge of establishing himself as one of the NFL's best defensive lineman.

Malik Jackson's departure in free agency means Wolfe will be tasked with cementing himself as Denver's top defensive lineman, and he should ride the opportunity all the way to the Pro Bowl.

Jerrell Freeman, Bears

Not many players make their first Pro Bowl at 30 years old, but Chicago Bears linebacker Freeman should be a rare exception.

Freeman has been overlooked for the All-Star game on several occasions, likely because of the poor overall play of the Indianapolis Colts' defense. But the veteran showed in 2015 he deserves a place among the league's upper echelon linebackers by producing 112 tackles, three sacks, and one interception.

The Colts allowed Freeman to depart for the Bears in free agency, and Chicago should give him a better shot at a Pro Bowl appearance. He'll be partnered with the outstanding Danny Trevathan in the center of the defense, and the storied history of the Bears' inside linebacker position will help Freeman's stellar play get league-wide recognition.

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