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The NFL released the top vote-getters for the Pro Bowl through 13 weeks and it looks like Detroit Lions fans will have some work to do to get a Lions player to the game.
As of right now, only Ezekiel Ansah is in the top five in votes at his player position. Ansah ranks fifth out of all defensive ends, while Calvin Johnson has the tenth-most votes among all wide receivers.
Here are some Lions players that deserve Pro Bowl consideration and why.
Ezekiel Ansah
The fact that Ansah ranks fifth among defensive ends isn't good enough. He has 12.5 sacks (second-most in the league) and four forced fumbles (most in the league). He currently trails Carlos Dunlap and Michael Bennett in votes, who have 3.0 and 5.0 fewer sacks than Ansah respectively (and combine for fewer forced fumbles.)
Darius Slay
Slay's dominance has been well-documented by this site and many others. Even though much of the nation hasn't noticed, Slay has morphed into a shutdown corner, erasing the impact of every team's No. 1 receiver since October. It's criminal that Slay isn't in the top 10 in cornerback voting. Instead, he sits behind guys like Logan Ryan and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Slay's lack of interceptions is no doubt hurting his chances, but the league should recognize Slay's value outside of turnovers.
Matt Prater
Prater is the only kicker in the league who has not missed a field goal yet this season. That accomplishment alone should earn him top 10 consideration among kickers, but the two extra point misses loom large (especially considering they came in the same game). Still, Prater deserves the nod over guys like his replacement in Denver Brandon McManus or Graham Gano (currently ranked third in votes), who has missed five field goals and three extra points.
To vote for your favorite players, visit NFL.com/probowl/ballot. Voting is open until Dec. 15 and the roster will be announced a week later on Dec. 22. Pro Bowl selection is decided by fans, players and coaches. Each group gets one-third of the influence over the final selection.