The New England Patriots have three 2020 Pro Bowl nominees: cornerback Stephon Gilmore, linebacker Donta Hightower and special teams captain Matthew Slater. But there were a few other deserving Patriots when considering the

5. Jake Bailey, P

His 33 punts inside the 20-yard line are second best in the NFL. His average of 44.9 (20th in the NFL) makes him a hard sell, however.

4. Jamie Collins, LB

There was a period at the beginning of the season when Collins looked like a candidate to earn Defensive Player of the Year. Now, that’s a title cornerback Stephon Gilmore is more likely to earn. Still, Collins season has been impressive with 71 tackles, three interceptions, one touchdown return, three forced fumbles and six sacks. Collins has been able to contribute well against the run and pass.

3. Devin McCourty, CB

He’s been the safety net at the back-end of the Patriots’ tremendous defense in 2019. Steelers safety Minkah Fitpatrick finished ahead of McCourty with a Pro Bowl invite. But it’s hard to see why McCourty missed out in a season when he has had five interceptions, seven pass-breakups, two forced fumles, 48 tackles and 10 for a loss.

2. Joe Thuney, G

Thuney has been one of the best offensive linemen for a struggling Patriots’ line. But make no mistake: he’s one of the best guards in the NFL. But he hates attention and would never bring it to himself.

1. Julian Edelman, WR

It’s hard to understand why Browns receiver Jarvis Landry got a nod over Julian Edelman. The Patriots receiver has the second most receptions (92) and fourth most receiving yards (1,019) in the AFC. He also had six touchdowns. Landry, meanwhile, has 74 catches, 1,018 yards and five touchdowns. Landry’s team is TK. Edelman’s team is 11-3.

What’s more, Edelman has almost single-handedly powered the Patriots passing attack. He’s been New England’s primary source of receiving yards, with almost double the next-best pass-catcher (RB James White with 588 yards) and almost triple the next-best receiver (Phillip Dorsett with 347 yards).

Edelman should’ve been a shoe-in. You can squint and understand why the others on this list missed the cut. That’s pretty hard with Edelman.