Who Made It: Nik Bonitto (Broncos), T.J. Watt (Steelers), Khalil Mack (Chargers)

Not even a career year got Van Noy into his first Pro Bowl. He’s tied for the fourth-most sacks in the league with a career-high 11.5. That much alone would typically put a player in the Pro Bowl.

The problem is he’s tied with Steelers former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and Broncos breakout player Nick Bonitto, who both got the nod. The AFC is loaded.

The gripe is that Khalil Mack, who made the team, has almost half as many sacks (six) as Van Noy this season. Both players are 33 years old, but while Mack’s sack totals dropped significantly (he had 17 sacks last season), Van Noy’s production increased.

Mack does have a better Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade (90.5), which ranks as the fifth-highest in the league at his position. He has the third-best grade for run defense. Van Noy, who has played more of a specialized pass rusher role, has a PFF grade of 75.5 that ranks him 29th in the league.

But much of this is probably based off reputation. It’s Mack’s ninth Pro Bowl and he’s another former Defensive Player of the Year (2016). Van Noy has not been to a Pro Bowl yet in his 11-year career. The two-time Super Bowl winner has been under appreciated his entire career, and this will probably only add to the chip on Van Noy’s shoulder.

“I was pretty disappointed,” Van Noy said. “But, you know, it’s not in the cards. I’ve always been a team guy, but it would’ve been cool to get an accolade.”