by The NFL AP (Associated Press) All-Pro is one of the highest honors in football. New players are recognized to earn this prestigious award every year. Last year, notable players like Zack Baun, Xavier McKinney, and Saquon Barkley were first-time AP All-Pros.
Which players will become first-time AP All-Pros this season?
Bijan Robinson, Running Back
After having 1,887 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in his sophomore season, Robinson is one of the leading candidates for Offensive Player of the Year. His incredible footwork and agility have made him an elite running back, rushing and receiving.
Robinson is playing behind an outstanding interior offensive line, led by guard Chris Lindstrom. Robinson was already on the short list of players left off the All-Pro teams last year, and after last season’s statement, he now has the status to go along with his talent.
Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver
Nabers had a historic rookie season, having the rookie receptions record before Brock Bowers broke it later that day. To go with his catches, he had over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns, all while missing two games.
Nabers’s three-level threat will finally be used, with new quarterback Russell Wilson. Although Wilson is not the quarterback he once was, he still has one of the better deep balls in the league. There were potentially hundreds of yards left on the table for Nabers because of incompetent quarterback play, especially deep. With Wilson, Nabers is in line for a 1,400-1,500 yard season and will completely dominate.
Brian Branch, Safety
The Detroit Lions have the best safety duo in the league with Branch and Kerby Joseph. Joseph made the All-Pro team last year, after a league-leading nine interceptions; now, it is Branch’s turn. He is one of the most innovative and hard-hitting defensive backs in the NFL and had a serious argument for All-Pro in 2024.
With the Lions’ defense now fully healthy, they will be one of the best defenses in the league. With that in mind, they are likely to have multiple defenders make the All-Pro teams. Branch, being arguably the best player on the defense, has a great chance to earn the spot.
Will Anderson Jr, Edge
Anderson is coming off a superb sophomore season. He had 11 sacks, with the fifth-highest quarterback pressure rate in the NFL (16.9%). Along with his outstanding regular season, he had 3.5 sacks in the playoffs.
With the leaps that Anderson has made in his first two seasons, it’s easy to imagine he becomes a tier-1 pass rusher in 2025.
Tyler Linderbaum, Center
The retirements of Jason Kelce and Frank Ragnow make Linderbaum a competitor for the best center in the NFL. His low center of gravity and bulldozing power make him an immovable wall in pass protection.
Since 2023, Linderbaum has been deserving of All-Pro honors, and this year, he will finally be recognized for his unparalleled consistency at center.
