The Giants had two players selected to this year’s Pro Bowl, and at least one of their selections should come as a major surprise.
The shocker: Tight end Evan Engram was selected as one of two NFC tight ends. Cornerback James Bradberry, who led fan voting as of Monday afternoon, was also selected to the Pro Bowl roster. It is the first career selection for both players. There won’t be any actual Pro Bowl game this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another shocker: Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams did not make the team. He has a career-high 8.5 sacks and is among league leaders in total pressures (49) and quarterback hits (15), according to Pro Football Focus. Kicker Graham Gano (28 of 29 on field goals) was also snubbed. Safety Logan Ryan had led fan voting among NFC free safeties for a few weeks, but also was not selected.
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Engram hasn’t exactly had his best season for the Giants, which makes his selection something of a surprise. PFF has Engram graded as the 35th-best tight end (of 44) with at least 25 targets this season. He has the second-most drops (seven) and only one touchdown. Over the last three games, Engram only has 10 catches for 96 yards.
Earlier this season, Engram dropped a catch late in the fourth quarter of a close Week 7 loss to the Eagles.
The NFC tight end pool isn’t exactly full of viable options. Both George Kittle (49ers) and Zach Ertz (Eagles), usual selections, haven’t played much due to injuries. Engram is second among NFC tight ends in receiving yards (572), behind only Lions’ T.J. Hockenson.
“I’m really just truly thankful,” Engram said in a press release. “Just blessed and thankful for just the whole process that I’ve been through. This past year has been hard for literally everybody.”
Bradberry was an expected selection and could make the All-Pro team after the season, too. He’s second in the NFL in pass breakups (17) and has been arguably the Giants’ best player. Bradberry didn’t play against the Browns in Week 15 after he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and it’s no coincidence that Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield completed nearly 85% of his passes. The Giants lost 20-6.
Engram was informed of his Pro Bowl selection by former Giants tight end Howard Cross. Bradberry was told by former Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn. Both calls were made via Zoom.
No Giants player was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019. Bradberry is the first Giants cornerback to be voted in since Janoris Jenkins in 2016, while Engram is the team’s first Pro Bowl tight end since Jeremy Shockey in 2006.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Bradberry said. “That’s on everyone’s, I wouldn’t call it a bucket list, but it’s on their goal list, to be Pro Bowl, to be All-Pro, just be the best in the game. I try not to think about it too much. I just try to go out there and play my best and just let the chips fall where they may.”
The Giants (5-9) face the Ravens (9-5) in Baltimore on Sunday. Bradberry is expected to return.
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