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These Six NFL Rookies Earned Pro Bowl Honors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ben Weinrib | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The NFL announced its final Pro Bowl rosters on Wednesday, with 88 selections including 25 alternates.

One of the big developments was that six rookies made the rosters. Although that's lower than the total from last season (eight), this is the second-highest total from the past six years.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (who will not play), Rams linebacker Jared Verse, and Raiders tight end Brock Bowers were initial picks, while Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Giants receiver Malik Nabers, and Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. made the team as alternates.

Daniels, Nabers, and Thomas particularly stand out after each being first-round picks out of LSU.

Daniels is an Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite after passing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 891 yards and six more scores on the ground. He became the sixth rookie to lead a team to a conference championship game as his Commanders fell to the Eagles.

Verse is the odds-on favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year after starting 16 of 17 games for the Rams. He totaled 4.5 sacks, 66 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended.

Bowers earned All-Pro honors and set multiple rookie records for the Raiders. His 112 receptions are the most for any rookie regardless of position, and his 1,194 receiving yards broke Mike Ditka's 1961 record among tight ends.

Maye became the second Patriots rookie quarterback in four seasons to make a Pro Bowl, following Mac Jones. Maye set numerous Pats rookie records, and passed for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns while running for 421 yards and two more scores in 12 starts.

Nabers, who joins Daniels, Bowers, Thomas, and Denver's Bo Nix as Offensive Rookie of the Year finalists, set the Giants' rookie receptions record (109) and racked up 1,204 receiving yards despite missing two games.

Thomas, meanwhile, led all rookies with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He surpassed 100 yards in four games, including three of the final four of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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