San Francisco 49ers: 5 players with best chances to make the 2019 Pro Bowl
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk
The first 49ers’ likely nominee, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, gets in almost by default.
Such was the case last year, when Juszczyk ended up being one of just two San Francisco Pro Bowl representatives and the only voted-in member from the 2017 crop of candidates. Left tackle Joe Staley ended up being selected as an alternate.
Juszczyk is aided by the fact that fullbacks are a dying breed in today’s NFL. With many teams favoring 11-personnel formations (three wide receivers, one tight end, one running back) or preferring two-tight end formations, the use of a fullback has certainly diminished.
Simply put, Juszczyk hasn’t had a lot of competition for the votes.
A year ago, a scuffling 49ers offense still netted the 27 year old 33 catches for 315 yards and a touchdown, good enough for the NFC’s starting Pro Bowl nod. Through 10 weeks this season, Juszczyk is well on his way to surpassing last year’s totals, posting a 23-catch, 265-yard and one-touchdown effort so far.
Remember, voters love traditional stats. Juszczyk has those on his side.