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4 Commanders who could become first-time Pro Bowlers in 2022

By Jerry Trotta

Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a catch over New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022.Nyg Vs Was
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a catch over New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022.Nyg Vs Was /
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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

The Washington Commanders didn’t make the playoffs in 2021, but it wasn’t due to a lack of talent. Up and down the roster, this team is littered with talent, whether they be future Pro Bowlers, three-down starters or key role players.

Despite that talent, the Commanders only had two players — Jonathan Allen and Brandon Scherff — named to the Pro Bowl.

Allen wasn’t named a starter, but there’s no shame losing out to Aaron Donald, the undisputed best defender in the NFL. The fact Allen made the team is a massive feat by itself considering Kenny Clark, Javon Hargrave and Vita Vea, all world-beaters, were the other defensive tackles who got voted in.

It was the first Pro Bowl of Allen’s career and some of his Commanders teammates will be hoping to follow in his footsteps next season. While some players could surprise, these four feel like the safest bets to follow Allen’s lead.

4 Commanders who could be first-time Pro Bowlers in 2022

4. Montez Sweat

With Chase Young being named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2020, it’s time for Washington’s other edge rusher to take his turn. With Young’s status for Week 1 up in the air as he recovers from ACL surgery, the stage is set for Montez Sweat to start next season on a Pro Bowl trajectory.

Though he’s no longer in a contract year after the Commanders exercised his fifth-year option, Sweat is still fighting for long-term security. After all, he’ll make just $2.082 million next year and $10.89 million in 2023.

If Sweat makes the Pro Bowl, Washington will have no choice but to give him an extension. Since he entered the league in 2018, the Mississippi State product has been a model of consistency, averaging seven sacks over three seasons.

Though Sweat has yet to fully breakout, his 2020 campaign gave the fan base a glimpse of his ceiling as a pass rusher. That year, he compiled nine sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, two forced fumbles, six passes defended and an interception returned for a touchdown vs Dallas on Thanksgiving.

If you take a look at the DEs who made the Pro Bowl in the NFC this past season — Nick Bosa, Brian Burns, Cameron Jordan and Josh Sweat — the Commanders’ Sweat could easily get voted in with a breakthrough year.

If he can notch double-digit sacks and remain consistent in the other departments (forced fumbles, TFLs, QB hits, etc.) there’s no reason to think he can’t make it.

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