We know what you’re thinking: “Xavier Rhodes made it to the Pro Bowl?”
Fair question, and we’ll get to that in a moment. But Rhodes was among five Vikings named to the Pro Bowl as replacement players for those who made it who are either electing to sit out for injury concerns, personal reasons, or they’re playing in the Super Bowl.
The other four: Quarterback Kirk Cousins, middle linebacker Eric Kendricks, fullback C.J. Ham and defensive end Everson Griffen.
Rhodes sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the other players. According to Pro Football Focus, Rhodes was graded the 125th-best cornerback in the NFL this season with a 46.4 rating. Look where the other four rated at their positions, per PFF:
- Cousins: 84.3 (5th)
- Griffen: 77.6 (26th)
- Ham: 62.0 (5th)
- Kendricks: 90.5 (1st)
Kendricks was named First Team All-Pro but still didn’t make it into the Pro Bowl as a original selection.
Regardless, this marks Rhodes’ third career Pro Bowl appearance, having been invited consecutively in 2016 and 2017.
