Derek Anderson was strangely missing from the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

Derek Anderson-QB-Cleveland Browns
In his first year as a starter in the NFL, Anderson has taken one of the worst teams in the NFL last year and turned tossed them right into the playoff mix. Without the weapons of the Colts or the Patriots, Anderson has thrown for 3,635 yards and 28 touchdowns.  He ranked fifth in the league in touchdowns and ninth in yards.  Now while he has thrown the second most interceptions (18) in the league, he is tied with NFC Pro Bowler Tony Romo. 

Fred Taylor-RB-Jacksonville Jaguars
Once again Fred Taylor will not be taking his vacation in Hawaii.  This year Fragile Fred is sixth in the league in total yards and is third in the league in average yards per rush, rushing for 1202 yards at a clip of 5.4 yards a carry has help revive his career.  Now while he doesn’t have the touchdowns of other pro bowlers, his partner in crime Maurice Jones-Drew gets all the carries down inside the red zone after Taylor blast his way in there.  The switching out with Jones-Drew has kept him healthy this year, has created more opportunities for his team win in December.

Nick Barnett-LB-Green Bay Packers
The NFL’s second leading tackler has made 130 tackles and 101 of them solo tackles and has played smash mouth football all year long.  In addition to be a monster in run defense, Barnett can also drop into coverage.  Nick Barnett has picked off two passes and deflected four others.  With his historic quarterback stealing all the headlines, he has quietly turned himself into one of the best linebackers in the league.

Marques Colston-WR-New Orleans Saints
Colston did not get any respect two years ago when he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2006 draft, and this year he did not receive any respect when the fans and fellow players didn’t vote him onto the pro bowl roster. Colston has compiled 90 receptions for 1108 yards and nine touchdowns this season.  Colston has been the bright spot of a team that has been mediocre at best and has seen its offense get decimated by injuries.  Colston’s snub proves that the Pro Bowl is done based on popularity not on talent.

Mario Williams-DE-Houston Texans
Two years ago when the Texans chose to take Mario Williams with the first overall pick in the 2006 draft they were heavily criticized for not taking Reggie Bush.  In Williams’ second year in the NFL he has blasted his way through offensive tackle to get to 14 sacks.  Williams’ sack total is second only to Seattle’s Patrick Kerney.  After a slow start this year Williams recorded 10 of his 14 sacks in the last six games.  His slow start could be the main reason for the snub, but that still is no excuse.

David Garrard-QB-Jacksonville Jaguars
At start of camp this year no one expected Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard to get much playing, but after head coach Jack Del Rio made the controversial decision to let go of starting quarterback Byron Leftwich; Garrard shocked the world.  If Tom Brady wasn’t having such a historical year Garrard would be the leading candidate for QB for of the Year.  Garrard has thrown a miniscule three interceptions this season while registering a whopping 102.2 quarterback rating.  It is appalling that the most proficient quarterback in recent history did not make the Pro Bowl.

Wes Welker-WR-New England Patriots
Wes Welker’s team record 101 catches has gone completely under the radar due to superstar teammate Randy Moss’ stellar 21 touchdowns for the year. Welker is second in the league in receptions and fifteenth in the yardage category with 1,053 yards. Every time the Pats are in a third and short situation Tom Brady goes to Welker for the first down.  Every time a team completely shuts down Randy Moss, Welker is there in the slot over the middle hauling clutch catches.  The only thing keeping Welker from the Pro Bowl is that voters for some reason wont put two players from the same team at the same position on the roster. 

Leon Washington-KR-New York Jets
The New York Jets have one of the most explosive kick returners in the game. He has great vision when retuning kickoffs and the speed to get through the holes before they close up in a hurry. Washington has returned a league leading three kickoffs for touchdowns and averages 27.8 yard per return, which is good for third in the NFL.  His punt return numbers are not that great but he has had to call an amazing amount of fair catches.  Washington would get a lot more return opportunities to return punts if his defense could keep a team from scoring once in a while. 

Joe Thomas-OT-Cleveland Browns
With out Joe Thomas the Browns would not be playoff contenders this year. Thomas has covered quarterback Derek Anderson’s blind side all year long.  Thomas doesn’t just work hard on the pass plays; he has opened up lanes on the offensive line big enough to drive a semi into the second level. Running Back Jamal Lewis is having a comeback player of the year like season because of Thomas’ ability to open up holes.  Baltimore Ravens Tackle Jonathan Ogden has been injured most of the year, and when he has played; Ogden looks older and older every time I see him.

Kellen Winslow-TE-Cleveland  Browns
Yes, Antonio Gates is a lock for the Pro Bowl, but Tony Gonzalez does not belong there.  Kellen Winslow has 1,044 yards with 78 receptions and five touchdowns.  Gonzalez has better numbers than Winslow, but Kellen has made important catches all season long to help the Browns move into a possible playoff spot.  Winslow is also capable of staying home and blocking for either the running game or helps give his quarterback some time to find the open receiver.