by Brian Abate, Chris DiGeronimo, and Gianluca Milea
"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second." - William James
For many, it's an unbelievable accomplishment to make the NFL. So many guys defy odds and break out in college or go undrafted and have great training camps to land on a roster. For these guys, that's not enough.
It's hard enough to make the NFL, it might be even harder to stay there. Being named to an All-Pro team is an incredible accolade. While each year there are many repeat winners at certain positions, there have recently been some guys that have stepped up their games and joined the conversation in an attempt to dethrone some consistent winners.
Check out our list of potential Offensive All-Pro Selections. This is not an exact list of All-Pro positions and predictions, just some names that we think have an opportunity to break into, or continue to achieve All-Pro Status.
Check out our Gruden Grinders for 2020... "knock on wood if you're with me."
QB- Patrick Mahomes
He just signed a $450 million contract, which shows how valuable he is to his team. Mahomes is by far the best player in the NFL and is poised to lead his team on another Super Bowl run. The rise of Lamar Jackson could give him a run for his money here, but Lamar has some pretty big shoes to fill if he is going to live up to Mahomes' level.
FB- Kyle Juszczyk
Juszczyk has made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons and he has shown no sign of declining. He remains amongst the best blocking fullbacks in the league, has good hands out of the back field and is effective at picking up first downs in short yardage situations. Look for another steady season for Juice, as he helps lead the way for San Francisco’s dynamic running game.
RB- Saquon Barkley
After a spectacular season capped off by winning Rookie of the Year, Barkley was slowed in his second season by a high ankle sprain. He is a rare combination of speed and power and he will be a huge part of the Giants’ offense. Look for Barkley to get plenty of touches both out of the backfield and in the receiving game as New York looks to get back on track after three disappointing seasons.
RB- Alvin Kamara
There are plenty of names deserving of this spot. Kamara is poised for a big year, the Saints just gave him the extension he was looking for and can now finally play ball without any contract distractions. The Saints find themselves in a competition of two heavy weights with the Bucs and a good Falcons team. Kamara will need to bring his A-game this season if Drew Brees and the boys have any chance of winning the division.
Flex- Christian McCaffery
McCaffery is one of the most dynamic running backs in the game, and will continue to be a Swiss army knife in this 2020 Carolina offense. McCaffery is not only an elusive runner but he can also act as an elite slot receiver when needed. Look for McCaffery to be the number one option for Teddy Bridgewater and this new offense led by offensive guru Matt Rhule.
TE- George Kittle
Kittle has proven he is a superstar when he’s healthy and showed toughness by playing through injuries last season. In addition to being a great blocker in San Francisco’s dynamic running game, Kittle has great hands, and elite playmaking ability as a tight end. Unlike most tight ends, he has the potential to take a short pass and turn it into a big play. He’s had back to back seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards and he should once again be Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target.
WR- Michael Thomas
Thomas is an incredible route runner, with strong hands and speed. He has no weaknesses and has formed great chemistry with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. He has finished with at least 1,1000 receiving yards in each of his five seasons and has increased his receiving yards in each season. He led the league with 149 receptions and 1,725 yards last season so it will be tough to improve on that, but if anyone can do it, it’s Thomas. #cantguardmike
WR- Davante Adams
Davante is an unreal talent. He is widely regarded as one of the best route runners in the game, has a big frame and great hands which all consistently draw praise from his QB. There is plenty of competition for this spot, but Davante is poised for a big year, with much doubt looming over the Packers title window. If the Packers are to have any success this season and beat out the Vikings for the division, Adams will need to have yet another big year.
Center- Ryan Jensen
At one point he was the highest paid Center in the league, Ryan Jensen has been as consistent as they come. Now on an exciting Bucs front line, he will have much to learn from the GOAT Tom Brady, but is poised for another incredible year in the National Spotlight.
OT- Mitchell Schwartz
Schwartz may not be the face of the Chiefs' franchise but their dynamic, explosive offense wouldn't be possible without his excellent play at right tackle. In his first eight seasons he has never missed a game and has steadily improved. He is fantastic as pass blocker and run blocker. He was an All-Pro in 2018 and has all the tools to be an All-Pro once again this season.
OT- Ronnie Stanley
At just 26 years of age, Ronnie Stanley is no stranger to the All-Pro NFL Team. He is regarded by many as one of, if not the best tackle in the league. Stanley has been a model of consistency for the Ravens and has become a big piece in the development of young QB Lamar Jackson. Stanley will be in this discussion for many years to come.
Guard- Zack Martin
Martin has been a dominant right guard for the Cowboys since they drafted him in the first round of the 2014 Draft. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his six seasons and has made the All-Pro team four times. He is a wall and has excelled in the passing game and the running game. While his name may not be mentioned as much as Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, he has been crucial to their success over the last few seasons. Martin has been very consistent so far in his career and this year should be no different.
Guard- Quenton Nelson
Nelson is one of the most dominant guards in the league and will hold that mantle for a very long time. Ever since the Colts drafted him with the 6th overall pick in 2018, he has been a brute force that has both protected the Colt's QBs and helped develop one of the best running games in the league. Nelson is already a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, and should be adding to both of those accolades this season.
Place Kicker- Harrison Butker
Butker is just one piece of the force that is the Kansas City offense. Butker has had one of the most reliable legs over the last three seasons and it doesn’t look like it is going to change anytime soon. He comes into 2020 with a career 90 percent made field goal rate and a 95.3 percent made extra point rate. He should be able to keep those numbers up given the opportunities he continues to get from the dynamic Chiefs offense.
Kick Returner- Cordarrelle Patterson
After multiple attempts at trying to be a dynamic number one receiver, Patterson has reinvented himself into being one of the best kick returners in the game over the last few years. Last season in Chicago, Patterson returned 28 kickoffs for 825 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 29.5 yards per return, and capped off a 102 yard return against the Saints. With the Bears offense and special teams still pretty much intact, Patterson should see the same type of production in 2020. Look for Patterson to add some more kick return touchdowns to his resume as the season goes on.
Punter- Braden Mann
Mann might be a rookie, but he was one of the best collegiate punters in the country a year ago. In 2018 Mann set an NCAA record by averaging 60.8 yards per punt for Texas A&M. He also set records for the highest single-season average (51.5) and the highest number of 60 yard punts (14). He was eventually named the SEC Special Teams player of the year, the 2019 Ray Guy Award recipient and an unanimous All-American. The Jets drafted Mann with the 191st overall pick but if he can continue this type of production they may have gotten a steal and a dynamic punter for years to come.
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