Cornerback (AFC)
In: J.C. Jackson
Out: Marlon Humphrey
Yes, Baltimore’s pass defense has been very good this season, but it’s absolutely preposterous that the Ravens have two cornerbacks in the Pro Bowl this season, and the Patriots have just one (Stephon Gilmore). Both Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey have played well enough, but neither can come close to J.C. Jackson and Jason McCourty. Between them, Peters and Humphrey have seven interceptions, but seven touchdowns allowed. Jackson and McCourty together have six interceptions and one touchdown allowed. Jackson’s omission is the most laughable of any on this list. This season, he’s allowed 22 catches on 47 targets for 226 yards, 88 yards after the catch, one touchdown, five picks, and an opponent passer rating of 28.6. You’d have a better shot throwing the ball out of bounds than you would heaving it anywhere near Jackson.
Safety (NFC)
In: Marcus Williams
Out: Budda Baker
Let me be very clear about this: I think Budda Baker is a fine player. He’s a rangy guy, and clearly a dynamic tackler. But so much of what makes a free safety great is coverage, and that’s where I simply can’t endorse this selection. This season, Baker has been targeted 45 times, giving up 34 receptions for 382 yards, 199 yards after the catch, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 115.2. That’s just tough to reconcile no matter how many tackles he makes (Baker currently leads the league in solo tackles with 92), especially when a certain number of those tackles come after sub-optimal coverage. Better to add a guy like New Orleans safety Marcus Williams, who is certainly capable of tackling, but is far, far better in coverage, allowing nine catches on 19 targets this season for 96 yards, 69 yards after the catch, one touchdown, four picks, and an opponent passer rating of 40.6. You want Baker on this roster? Move him to strong safety, and we’ll talk.
Safety (AFC)
In: Devin McCourty
Out: Earl Thomas
You could also argue for the presence of Denver’s Justin Simmons here, but I can’t take both AFC free safeties out when Minkah Fitzpatrick has completely altered Pittsburgh’s defense. And while Earl Thomas has played well in 2019, McCourty has taken Thomas’ place as the single most effective deep-third safety in the NFL. McCourty has allowed just 16 catches on 25 targets this season for 104 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. But it’s the plays McCourty is able to make away from his target range that not only makes him the best in the business, but allows the Patriots to be the most aggressive man coverage team in the NFL. And given the historic greatness of New England’s pass defense this season, that’s impossible to ignore.