The voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games is underway and once again Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin is in the running for being selected. Franklin is in his seventh year in the league and has yet to make a Pro Bowl. With all of his talent and accomplishments, it seems almost criminal that this is the case. However, this season is different. Franklin is already producing at a higher level than his previous seasons and is leading the league in assisted tackles. He is also second in solo tackles.
When the Colts lost their all-pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard in 2022, they turned to Zaire Franklin to step up. That year, Franklin had a career year and made a name for himself in the league. Since then, he has been a production machine and made it into the NFL Top 100 this year. Zaire Franklin’s 2024 season with the Colts is shaping up to be worthy of another Top 100 and a 2024 NFL Pro Bowl spot.
Why Zaire Franklin Should Make His First NFL Pro Bowl
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Being selected to the Pro Bowl is purely based on one’s accomplishments in the current season. Therefore, anything that Franklin has accomplished up until the 2024 NFL season is moot. That being said, Franklin is having another career year. Through 13 games, he already leads the league in assisted tackles with 59. He is second in the league in solo tackles with 75 and is on pace to eclipse a season-high in sacks. So far, he has two and a half. It should also be mentioned that he leads the league in total tackles with 135. Franklin also has one interception, three forced fumbles, and four tackles for loss.
To put this in perspective, Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Roquan Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl last year. In that season, he put up very similar numbers to Zaire Franklin. Franklin had more forced fumbles, total tackles, and solo tackles. Yet, Smith made the Pro Bowl and Franklin did not. Another Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen made the Pro Bowl last year and he, too, had similar numbers to Franklin. However, once again, Franklin had more forced fumbles, total tackles, and solo tackles. The way to get into the Pro Bowl is not just based purely on how many tackles a player can make. It’s all about disruption and production. Franklin has that this season.
His Intangible Skills
One of the keys to being a top linebacker in the NFL is having a “feel” on the field. This is one of those intangible abilities that cannot be coached and Franklin has it. Thriving under Gus Bradley’s zone defense, Franklin can read the quarterback’s eyes, find his spot, and get a feel for where a play will develop. This is what further solidifies a Pro Bowl nod for Franklin. He is among some of the league’s best in having those intangible abilities to produce.
This defense has been under fire for much of this season due to its inexperience in the secondary and struggles with consistency. The one saving grace, though, has been Zaire Franklin. He continues to produce and be the voice and leader on defense. The Colts have continually relied on him to make plays and be an impact player. For once, he deserves to be rewarded for his efforts and a Pro Bowl spot is in order.
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