Pro Bowl rosters for both conferences will be announced at 7 p.m. ET tonight on NFL Network. Going into the player voting with a 12-2 record, there are more than a handful of Falcons who could find their names on the NFC's Pro Bowl roster. AtlantaFalcons.com managing editor Jay Adams takes you through who's got a shot to head to Hawaii and what are the chances each will make it
Strong Candidates
Here is a list of players that have a very good chance of making the NFC's Pro Bowl roster:
Wide receiver Roddy White
It's impossible to lead the NFL in receiving most of the season and not get some recognition during Pro Bowl voting. White has been at or near the top of almost every receiving category this season, and he currently leads the league in receptions with 109 and is second in yards behind Denver receiver Brandon Lloyd. Chance: 99 percent
Defensive end John Abraham
Again, players who lead the league or their conference in statistical categories get noticed during the players vote. The only player ahead of Abraham in sacks this year is Miami's Cameron Wake. That leaves Abe at the top of the category in the NFC. That should make him a shoo-in for a trip to Hawaii. Chance: 99 percent
Running back Michael Turner
Turner's dominance of the NFC's ground game has been somewhat quiet this year despite racking up more than 1,200 yards prior to player voting. The Burner leads the NFC in rushing yards currently and is vying for the top spot in other statistical categories with Steven Jackson and Adrian Peterson. The Burner's ticket to Hawaii has pretty much been punched. Chance: 98 percent
Tight end Tony Gonzalez
The future Hall-of-Famer led the tight end position in the NFC during the fan voting period, and that could give him enough of a push to get onto the roster. It's tough to deny the year Gonzalez has had. He's 14th in the NFC in receiving, and for anyone who has seen him play this season, he's been absolutely clutch all year. While that's not a statistical category, voters know exactly what Gonzalez is capable of. Chance: 90 percent.
Quarterback Matt Ryan
After watching Matty Ice pull off six fourth-quarter comebacks this season, it would be easy for Falcons fans to think Ryan is a lock for a Pro Bowl spot. You have to figure that Michael Vick, who led the NFC in fan voting, is getting a spot. After him, it could go 100 different ways. Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees seem the likely candidates to back Vick up, but Ryan could sneak in there based on the 19 interceptions Brees had when fan voting ended. This is definitely one to keep an eye on, and keep your fingers crossed for the Ice Man. Chance: 85 percent.
In The Mix
Here is a list of players that are deserving of making the NFC's Pro Bowl roster:
Cornerback Brent Grimes
It's tough to argue with Grimes' abilities or the performance he has put on this season. Is Brent Grimes deserving of a Pro Bowl roster spot? Absolutely. Will he get one? Tough to say. Grimes, while in the top 10 in the NFC in interceptions, could get as overlooked tonight as he usually is by opposing quarterbacks. Although, we all know it's a terrible mistake to overlook Grimes. Just ask Brees, Matt Hasselbeck, et al. Grimes leads the league in passes defensed and he's near the top in interceptions. To leave him out would be a crime, but it's tough to predict where the voting will go at this position. Chance: 80 percent.
Fullback Ovie Mughelli
Put Mughelli right in the same category with Bryant: consistent and there when you need him. Mughelli also falls into the same issue that Bryant does: Only one fullback gets chosen for the Pro Bowl. Players at this position tend to fall into the name recognition category, meaning the voting becomes a popularity contest. Mughelli hasn't become a household name at the position. Not yet, anyway. But he should be considering his year. But I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he has an excellent shot at making the roster. Chance: 80 percent.
Kicker Matt Bryant
Bryant has certainly earned consideration as the Matty Ice sequel. Or junior. Or whatever you want to call it. He belongs in the same category as the other steel-nerved Matt on the team. Bryant has kicked 15 straight field goals, and he's got three game-winners to his credit this season. The problem at this position is only one kicker is chosen for each team. Philadelphia's David Akers seems the likely choice here, but Bryant definitely has a shot. Chance: 75 percent.
KR/PR Eric Weems
Weems has become a special teams dynamo for the Falcons this season. We all remember the 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Tampa Bay that set a franchise record for longest kick return and single-handedly put the Falcons in excellent position to eventually down the Bucs. But if you look closer, Weems' impact is much more than returns. He's leading the team in special teams tackles and he's generally all over opposing returners. He could end up being the specialist for the NFC. No argument here. Chance: 75 percent.
Center Todd McClure
If last night's fumbled snap was all you know of McClure, shame on you. McClure is the unquestioned leader and sturdy foundation of the offensive line. In his 11 seasons, McClure has yet to make a Pro Bowl roster. To me, that's unacceptable. McClure has been a model of consistency through his career, and with the players he's had to fend off this year — Haloti Ngata, Casey Hampton, B.J. Raji and the like — to keep Ryan off his back is nothing short of incredible. McClure deserves it, and here's hoping he gets it. Chance: 75 percent.
Don't Forget About:
Safety William Moore
Tied for the team lead in interceptions. Possibly the hardest hitter on the team. A game-changer who likely doesn't have a ceiling. Moore likely won't make it this year, but you'll see him in a Pro Bowl uniform soon enough.
Linebacker Curtis Lofton
The Police is no joke, and the nickname is fitting as hardly anyone has gotten away from him this season. Team leader in tackles and a stalwart on the linebacking corps. Strong and steady, Lofton will be a Pro Bowler during his career.
Guard Harvey Dahl
You wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley or on the football field. Dahl is as brutal as they come at the guard position, and the holes he's helped create should land him consideration for a Pro Bowl spot this season.
Tackle Tyson Clabo
Another extremely valuable member of the offensive line, Clabo has had a career year. Ryan has to feel safe on his frontside with Clabo protecting it. Could sneak in if enough voters recognize his amazing year.
Jonathan Babineaux
Along with Abraham, Babineaux has wrecked havoc on opposing offensive backfields this year. Babs scored a touchdown last week against Seattle, one day before fan voting ended and three days before player voting. That could have left quite an impression with voters.
