The Green Bay Packers are heading to the playoffs with three players earning Pro Bowl honors, but one glaring omission has sparked controversy. Guard Elgton Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most reliable offensive linemen, was shockingly left off the NFC roster despite a dominant 2024 season.
Jenkins’ Pro Bowl-Worthy Season
Jenkins has been a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line, delivering elite performances week after week. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he boasts an 83.1 pass-blocking grade, the second-best among all guards in the NFL. He’s allowed just one sack all season while anchoring a line that has kept Green Bay competitive in a stacked NFC.
Despite these accolades, Jenkins was named only a first alternate, missing out to NFC guards Landon Dickerson, Chris Lindstrom, and Tyler Smith. Jenkins expressed his frustration subtly on social media, posting, “Things keep getting weirder and weirder.”
Comparing the Numbers: Jenkins vs. Pro Bowl Picks
The snub becomes even more puzzling when comparing Jenkins’ stats to those of his Pro Bowl counterparts:
- Landon Dickerson (Eagles): While Dickerson has a better run-blocking grade, he’s allowed five sacks—four more than Jenkins—and committed two penalties to Jenkins’ three.
- Tyler Smith (Cowboys): Smith has also allowed more sacks than Jenkins while committing the same number of penalties.
- Chris Lindstrom (Falcons): Lindstrom has been solid but doesn’t significantly outshine Jenkins in overall performance.
The numbers suggest Jenkins is more than deserving of a Pro Bowl spot, making his exclusion all the more surprising.
Recognition Beyond the Pro Bowl
Despite the snub, Jenkins continues to garner respect from analysts. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell projected Jenkins as a Second Team All-Pro, putting him in the upper echelon of NFL guards. For First Team All-Pro honors, Barnwell selected AFC guards Joe Thuney (Chiefs) and Quenton Nelson (Colts), both widely regarded as the best in the business.
Why the Snub Matters
The Pro Bowl has long been a platform for recognizing elite talent, but omissions like Jenkins’ highlight the flaws in the voting process. Fan popularity, team performance, and positional bias often overshadow individual excellence. For Jenkins, missing out on the Pro Bowl doesn’t diminish his impact on the field, but it raises questions about the criteria used to determine selections.
Looking Ahead
While the snub stings, Jenkins and the Packers have bigger goals in mind. With a playoff run looming, Jenkins will have the opportunity to showcase his dominance on the national stage, proving once again why he’s one of the league’s premier offensive linemen.
The Pro Bowl omission might be frustrating, but for Elgton Jenkins, the ultimate goal isn’t just individual recognition—it’s helping the Packers chase another Super Bowl.