January 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Browns players Team Irvin cornerback Joe Haden (23), Team Irvin tackle Joe Thomas (73), and Team Carter safety Donte Whitner (31) during photo day at The Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Thomas and Joe Haden have become the face of the Cleveland Browns over the course of the last five-to-ten years. Whenever they are refereed to in a telecast or casual water cooler conversation, the term “Pro Bowler” is always thrown their way. Showing their status among the elite at their position.
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We know who they are, but who are the next group of players to relish with Pro Bowl status? We saw last season, Tashaun Gipson, make his first Pro Bowl, a trend he looks to continue this season in a Browns secondary with a ton of potential.
Even though many consider the exhibition game to be a joke, just the honor of being recognized as one of the best players in the game at one position is always a special feat.
As Browns fans, you probably don’t want to see a single one of your players in the game, because as we know, Super Bowl participants refrain from the game. But hopefully the honor is still bestowed on them by coach, player, and fan voting.
So, let’s get into it, shall we? Here are five Browns You can expect to see with Pro Bowl honors in 2015.
Next: Joe Thomas
Oct 13, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
5. Left Tackle, Joe Thomas
How could I not mention, Joe Thomas? He’s been the most consistent piece on this Browns roster for the past decade, and I don’t think any of us see that changing.
He now protects Josh McCown – even though I do think that changes real quick, hint hint, Johnny Manziel – in what looks like a much improved Browns offensive line with Alex Mack back from injury, Joel Bitonio in his second season, and the drafting of Cameron Erving in the first-round.
Thomas has made the Pro Bowl all eight of his NFL seasons, which is truly an amazing feat. Eli Manning is currently the NFL’s iron man, but at an even more physically demanding position, Thomas has never missed a game in his career.
Just think, JT has played on some bad Browns teams, never making the postseason before, and he still hasn’t taken a day off. It speaks a lot to his character, and why he is still the league’s best blindside protector.
Next: Joe Haden
Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
4. Cornerback, Joe Haden
What is the “lockdown on the Lake” without, Joe Haden? When he was a top ten selection in the 2010 draft, many thought it was a reach based on a poor pro day. But that risk has clearly paid off.
Haden has now been to the Pro Bowl in consecutive years, which means he’s beginning to earn the reputation and receive the recognition he deserves. Staying on the same playing level he’s on now, will surely keep him in the Pro Bowl loop for voters.
He was also hit with the honor of being ranked the league’s 23rd best player by NFL Network – voting done by current players – this offseason, an honor that ironically represents the number on his back.
I took some heat awhile back for proclaiming the Browns secondary would be more productive than the Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Boom” in 2015. Just like anything I write, I back it up. I feel the same way as I did when I wrote it, and a lot of that has to do with Haden’s presence.
Next: Joel Bitonio
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) looks up at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals beat the Browns 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
3. Guard, Joel Bitonio
Joel Bitonio is becoming a very popular name around Browns brass. As a rookie in 2014, he started all 16 games, and impressed many along the way. NFL-wide recognition is what he’s still playing for, and what he’ll show this season for a couple of reasons.
One, he’s playing with big names like Joe Thomas and Alex Mack.
Remember, Mike Furrey? He played for the Browns at one point, so you might remember him. But in 2006, he played for the Detroit Lions, a team that was a perennial loser. He racked up a ludicrous 98 receptions, and over 1,000 yards, after switching from safety to receiver.
The problem was, he played for the Lions and Jon Kitna was his quarterback. Nobody cared.
So, how does that story have any relevance to Bitonio?
Playing with two of the league’s best lineman at their respective positions, will sure bring more attention to Bitonio and his value as one of the better interior lineman in football. Just like a wide receiver that catches passes from Peyton Manning, or Tom Brady.
Plus, he’s just a good football player.
This could be the season his name gets thrown around a little more, and as a result, some votes in the Pro Bowl race.
Next: Danny Shelton
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) in a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
2. Defensive Tackle, Danny Shelton
Let’s be honest, popularity and the value behind a name goes a long way. That doesn’t mean that player or person hasn’t earned their status, it’s just a plus when it comes to awards.
Danny Shelton is already the talk of camp.
I think I even saw a FanSided article asking if he was hall of fame material. That might be a bit irrational at this point, but hey, the offseason gets a little boring at times.
The Browns had the worst run defense in pro football last season, so it’s one of those situations that can only go up. If they are all of a sudden a top 10 or 15 run defense, he becomes the center of attention by default, because he must’ve been the reason whether it’s true or not.
His personality is very happy-go-lucky, which I think is a breath of fresh air, and his ability, size, and quickness, makes him a freak of nature. He hasn’t played a down of regular season football, but all signs have pointed up so far this preseason.
The “Savior” card will be placed on him to save a woeful Browns run defense. The addition of Randy Starks, and a healthy Phil Taylor should also help him along the way in trying to accomplish what he came to Cleveland for.
Next: Karlos Dansby
Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
1. Linebacker, Karlos Dansby
I don’t care how old he is, find me a year when Karlos Dansby hasn’t been productive? This Browns team has built their identity around running the ball effectively, limiting turnovers, and playing elite defense.
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If the Browns are the top five defense they present on paper, Dansby will get a whole lot of recognition for being in the middle of it.
He hasn’t finished with less than 90 combined tackles in a season since 2006, and with 41 career sacks, to go along with 16 interceptions, he does just about whatever is asked of him.
It amazes me, how he’s never been named to a Pro Bowl, especially in his 2013 season that featured 122 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, and two touchdowns.
How much more productive can you be as an inside linebacker?
If Cleveland surprises, and becomes a legitimate playoff contender, Dansby’s name will elevate and get the respect it deserves. He’s my sneaky Browns potential Pro Bowler for 2015.
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