Three Patriots named to 2022 Pro Bowl

The NFL announced the rosters for the 2022 Pro Bowl Wednesday night, with three Patriots players earning recognition. Linebacker Matthew Judon, cornerback J.C. Jackson, and special teamer Matthew Slater are all set to represent New England in Las Vegas in February (pending a Super Bowl run, of course).

This is Judon's third consecutive Pro Bowl nod. The highlight of the team's historic free agent class this spring, Judon has been the focal point of a defense that has allowed fewer points than any other through 15 weeks this season. His 12.5 sacks are tied for the most by a Patriots player under Bill Belichick.

Jackson's appearance would be his first. The fourth-year cornerback leads the league with 20 passes defended, and his seven interceptions are second in the NFL. Jackson had big shoes to fill this year in replacing 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, and it would appear the football world has taken notice of how well he's filled them.

As for Slater, he's a seasoned veteran of the Pro Bowl at this point. This year's selection is his 10th, extending his record for the most by a special teams player (Steve Tasker is second with seven). Slater entered the NFL in 2008, and has made every Pro Bowl but one since 2011. That came in 2018, when his now-teammate Adrian Phillips was selected.

Kicker Nick Folk may be the most glairing omission from the Patriots. Folk's 34 made field goals lead the league - as do his 37 attempts. Even with that volume he's still second in field goal percentage among qualified kickers, making 91.9 percent of his tries. Center David Andrews and long snapper Joe Cardona also led the voting at their respective positions at one point earlier in the season, but were not selected.

The 2022 Pro Bowl is set to take place on Feb. 6, the Sunday before the Super Bowl. This year's game will be played at the Raiders' Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Last year's Pro Bowl was canceled and held as 'alternate festivities' due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full 2022 Pro Bowl rosters can be seen here.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.