5 offensive players who could make their 1st Pro Bowl in 2017

The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest that many players don't care for and some even actively avoid.

Still, making the Pro Bowl means a player's performance has begun to get league-wide recognition, often a year later than it should have.

Here are five non-rookie offensive players who could make their first Pro Bowl appearances in 2017 after teasing a new level of play in 2016.

Carson Wentz, Eagles

If there's one thing you can count on when it comes to the Pro Bowl, it's that the depth of the quarterback position will be tested due to the number of pivots who are "forced" to drop out of the all-star event.

So, while Carson Wentz will have a tough job beating out the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan in the NFC, he could surprise people by leaping toward the top of the next tier of quarterbacks.

The Eagles ensured Wentz will have the weapons he desperately lacked during his rookie season by signing Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in free agency. Having Lane Johnson available for the entire season should also provide a boost, as the quarterback struggled with his star right tackle suspended.

Philadelphia seems set to be a pass-first team, and while Wentz might not be as good as his season numbers will likely suggest, the former No. 2 overall pick's name recognition and the backing of a rabid Eagles fanbase should be enough to get him to his first Pro Bowl.

Rex Burkhead, Patriots

Such is the power of the Patriots that a running back who had a career-high 344 rushing yards in 2016 with the Bengals should become a household name in 2017.

While his raw numbers are unremarkable, Rex Burkhead showed he's ready for a bigger role. He finished as the second-most efficient runner in the league, according to Football Outsiders, behind only Mike Gillislee, another New England offseason pickup (Bill Belichick is clearly a bigger fan of analytics than he lets on).

The Patriots' offense is stacked, especially at running back. Burkhead will have to fight Gillislee, Dion Lewis, and James White for snaps. But New England has a way of bringing the best of out of players, and the attention drawn by playing for the reigning Super Bowl champs will help Burkhead's Pro Bowl bid.

Hunter Henry, Chargers

Sorry, Antonio Gates. Philip Rivers has a new best friend.

Hunter Henry flashed star potential in his rookie season, catching 36 passes for 478 yards and eight touchdowns. The tight end's chemistry with Rivers took some time to develop, but after another offseason together, Henry should be one of the veteran pivot's go-to guys.

The Chargers' move to Los Angeles won't hurt Henry's case either. Increased media attention, his ability to be a double-digit touchdown scorer, and the team's probable improvement will help Henry receive the first of what should be many Pro Bowl nods.

Isaiah Crowell, Browns

Because the Browns were so painfully bad in 2016, Isaiah Crowell's improvement in his third NFL season went largely unnoticed.

The Browns won't exactly be world-beaters in 2017 either, but they should be more competitive. And, because Cleveland could start a rookie quarterback in DeShone Kizer, the ground game will be emphasized even more.

Crowell's propensity for highlight-reel plays - he had eight runs of 20-plus yards and three of 40-plus yards, including an 85-yard touchdown - should also bolster his standing among casual voters and fantasy football fans.

After years of being the lone Brown at the Pro Bowl, Joe Thomas should finally have some company in 2017.

Ryan Kelly, Colts

Where have all the great centers gone?

The AFC has some strong players at the position, such as 2016 Pro Bowlers Rodney Hudson and Maurkice Pouncey, but gone are the days where the likes of Nick Mangold and Jeff Saturday were locks to make the all-star game every year.

Enter Ryan Kelly.

The Indianapolis Colts' second-year man has name recognition from his time at Alabama, as well as his standing as a former first-round pick.

Indy's offensive line as a whole needs to improve in order to give Kelly a shot, but after a rookie season in which he didn't surrender a single sack, the young center is poised to become a Pro Bowl regular.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)