Pro Bowl 2019 substitutions

CB Desmond King instead of Denzel Ward (AFC)

King also has an argument for making it as a return specialist by being seventh in average return yards on kicks and second on punts

I thought about giving the Texans’ Kareem Jackson some love here. Houston’s DB has forced four turnovers, knocked down 14 passes and been a phenomenal tackler, who brings down ball-carriers right at the spot they meet at.

Since he is one of those hybrid defensive backs, who play corner, nickel and strong safety on different snaps, I let this one be because I don’t even remember where the NFL listed him.

So instead of Pro Football Focus’ number one corner, I went with the second-highest graded player at the position, who has had an outstanding season as well in my opinion.

The Chargers Desmond King has been the one of their three really consistent playmakers (together with Melvin Ingram and Derwin James) on a defense that has been everywhere from allowing an average of 30 points per game through their first four weeks to now threatening offenses off both edges again and being able to close games for their team.

King lines up primarily in the slot and has been asked to cover a multitude of different bodies, such as small, shifty slot receivers and big receiving tight-ends. With the addition of Derwin, James King has been asked less to blitz.

However, has held down his end every week until he struggled a little last Thursday night versus Travis Kelce.

The second-year man out of Iowa came up with two great interceptions in the second half versus Baker Mayfield by undercutting routes to end any comeback hopes and then he had a clutch pick-six in the middle of the fourth quarter at Seattle, which extended L.A.’s lead to 15 points.

In addition to his play on the defensive side, King also has an argument for making it as a return specialist by being seventh in average return yards on kicks and second on punts (including a game-changing touchdown versus the Steelers) among players with at least 20 attempts.

Denzel Ward has had a great rookie season, but King is the premiere slot corner in the league right now.