Fletcher Cox, DE, first Pro Bowl selection: Cox has been the beneficiary of campaigning by teammates (such as linebacker Connor Barwin) and coaches (defensive coordinator Bill Davis made his pitch last week). Chip Kelly said last year that Cox was the Eagles’ MVP. He has been even better this season. A defensive end in the Eagles' 3-4 scheme, Cox was selected as a defensive tackle. He has a career-high 7.5 sacks. He has forced three fumbles and recovered two more. Maybe his highest praise came from Bills coach Rex Ryan, who said he bought comparisons between Cox and the late Jerome Brown.
Jason Peters, LT, eighth Pro Bowl selection: Truth be told, this hasn’t been Peters’ best season. Nagging injuries have limited his effectiveness. But Peters at 80 percent is still a very good player. Kelly refers to him as a future Hall of Famer. With his eighth Pro Bowl selection, Peters is building quite a résumé for Canton.
Darren Sproles, PR/KR, second Pro Bowl selection: The dynamic Sproles leads the NFL with an average punt return of 12.4 yards. He is also first with two punt returns for touchdowns -- an 89-yarder against the New York Jets and an 83-yard return against the New England Patriots. Sproles has also been an effective running back in the Eagles’ offense.
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Connor Barwin, LB: Barwin went to the Pro Bowl last season after a career-high 14.5 sacks. He has just six this season, but sacks are only one measure of Barwin’s effectiveness. He is just as solid against the run or in coverage and plays many roles in coordinator Bill Davis’ defense.
Jason Kelce, C: A classic overachiever, Kelce was a walk-on at Cincinnati and a sixth-round draft choice. He has made himself into a two-time Pro Bowler with smarts, agility and toughness. At 295 pounds, Kelce gives up 40 to 50 pounds to some of the league’s defensive tackles, yet he is able to block them, then move on to block linebackers and defensive backs downfield.
Malcolm Jenkins, S: Jenkins drew some attention with that 99-yard interception return against Tom Brady and the Patriots a few weeks ago. But the most impressive thing about Jenkins is his consistency. He leads the Eagles in tackles, has forced three fumbles and is a steadying influence in the secondary. He’s also versatile, moving from strong safety to nickel cornerback with no drop-off in production.