It may be hard to believe, but 32-year-old pass rusher Brandon Graham has never made a Pro Bowl. His best season as a pro came in 2017 where he recorded 9.5 sacks, 14 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown and 47 total tackles. Obviously that was the season the Eagles won the Super Bowl, which always means more Pro Bowl nods. The Birds would’ve sent 6 players that season if they didn’t reach the Super Bowl — Carson Wentz, Zach Ertz, Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Fletcher Cox, and Malcolm Jenkins. Graham didn’t make the cut.
In 2020, Graham is in the middle of a career year. He’s already racked up 6 sacks, tied for third most in the league with Green Bay’s Za’Darius Smith, and behind only Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett. He’s on pace for approximately 14 sacks and 20 or so QB hits. Those are undoubtedly Pro Bowl numbers.
Graham has really been the saving grace for this defensive line. Aside from Malik Jackson, who’s currently sidelined with an injury, none of the defensive lineman have played up to Graham’s standard this season. Even perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox hasn’t been nearly as dominant this season, although he’s beginning to make more plays as the season has progressed.
Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat have combined for just a half-sack more than Graham’s total this season. He’s been the glue that holds this entire defensive line together, and he’s doing it all at 32 years old when most fans expected him to start regressing.
We’ve seen a number of veterans underperform this year or just not be able to get on the field due to injury. Graham has been the complete opposite, and for that he deserves to reach his first Pro Bowl.
The Pro Bowl is a little different this year due to COVID-19, so there won’t be an actual Pro Bowl game. But fans will still have the opportunity to vote in their favorite players once the season comes to an end. If you’re reading this and Graham continues his dominant season, make sure to vote for this Philly legend at season’s end.