Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders to replace Amari Cooper at Pro Bowl
Jan 18, 2017, 4:27 PM
The Denver Broncos defense will be well represented at the 2017 Pro Bowl later this month in Orlando, Florida. And now, Denver’s offense will get some recognition also.
Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will replace Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper on the AFC’s roster, joining four Denver defenders at the NFL’s annual all-star game.
For a third straight season, all with the Broncos, Sanders eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark in 2016 despite a statistical decline from the previous two seasons.
Sanders ranked among the top 25 in the NFL in yards (1,032), receptions (79), and targets (137). Pro Football Focus graded him as the 15th-best receiver in the league, 12 spots ahead of teammate Demaryius Thomas.
This would be Sanders second Pro Bowl selection. He earned a nod after the 2014 season, his first year in Denver, when he had career highs in receiving yards (1,404), catches (101), touchdowns (9), targets (141), and yards per game (87.8).
Sanders is the lone offensive player from a Broncos offensive unit that struggled throughout much of 2016, ranking 27th in total offense and 22nd in points scored.
Cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr and Aqib Talib, linebacker Von Miller, and safety Darian Stewart — who earned a selection Tuesday with Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry bowing out due to injury — are the other four Broncos players to earn the honors.
The Pro Bowl will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
