10 NFL players who will make their first Pro Bowl in 2020

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals scrambles with the football against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 11

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 29: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Joe Mixon – Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will soon face a decision over whether to hand a contract extension to Mixon who, following a strong offseason by Cincinnati, is well placed to make the decision even harder for the franchise brass.

Having recorded successive 1,100-yard rushing seasons, Mixon has already done plenty to suggest he is worthy of a payday and All-Star recognition that has so far not been forthcoming.

However, the arrival of Joe Burrow as the Bengals’ franchise quarterback was an extremely positive development for Mixon. Burrow connected often with Clyde Edwards-Helaire in his time at LSU, allowing the running back to build his first-round case with consistent production as a receiver out of the backfield.

Mixon is similarly talented as a pass-catcher and figures to have opportunities to add significantly to the 870 receiving yards he has in his pro career so far.

Even with the addition of Burrow and second-round pick Tee Higgins, and the return of A.J. Green from injury, the Bengals’ offense should not become a pass-happy attack, with head coach Zac Taylor a product of the Sean McVay-Kyle Shanahan tree.

Mixon can expect to receive an ample workload running the ball and recent history suggests he should make the most of it. Another year of elite rushing production and increased contributions as a receiver will make it more difficult for the Bengals to avoid paying him and for Pro Bowl voters to keep him out of their ballot.

Home/NFL