(Editor's Note: Last summer, the DallasCowboys.com staff attempted to answer 20 questions about the Cowboys' roster leading into training camp. With the 2015 season complete, we're picking out the 10 best and most applicable questions and reviewing how our predictions fared.)
8) Which Cowboys player will make his first Pro Bowl in 2015?
David: I predicted Sean Lee would make his first Pro Bowl this year, and I'm still holding on to the hope that I'm right. Several of this year's Pro Bowl linebackers – Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Bobby Wagner, Clay Matthews, just to name a few – are still playing in the postseason. If one or more of those guys makes it to the Super Bowl, Lee could be called in as an alternate. He'd certainly be deserving, given the type of year he had. If Lee isn't named to the Pro Bowl this month, then I feel pretty confident picking him to earn that accolade next year, provided he can stay healthy for a second-consecutive season. Another guy I'm keeping my eye on is obviously DeMarcus Lawrence. If he can play a full season the way he played the second half of 2016, he'll be a lock for the Pro Bowl next year.
Nick: I think I've picked Dan Bailey for this list two years ago and it didn't work out. So I switched over to Orlando Scandrick and of course, he didn't even make it to the field. Maybe I need to be careful who I pick next year. But Bailey was the only chance to be right considering they only had four, with one new selection. I guess I could go with Scandrick again next year but my early guess is that next year's pick for this category isn't currently on the roster.
Bryan: I went with Darren McFadden at the time and was happy to see the type of season that he was able to have. After the way that I saw Jason Garrett and Scott Linehan use DeMarco Murray, I felt like McFadden had the chance to be a similar type of back that never came off the field. There was no question in my mind that he was better than Joseph Randle and I am not saying that just because of what happened to Randle five games into the season. All McFadden needed was a chance and they gave it to him during that game against the Giants and he took advantage of it. What is a shame is that it took them five games before they made the switch. As for a first timer for next season, give me Sean Lee as my early favorite.
Rob: I picked Dan Bailey, and the fifth-year veteran will indeed head to Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl. Looking back, Bailey was due. Midway through last season he became the most accurate field goal kicker in league history and remains there this year with a 90.1-percent conversion rate. He missed two attempts out of 32 and accounted for over 40 percent of the Cowboys' scoring (115 of 275 points). Looking to next year, I expect Sean Lee to be right in the conversation again for his first Pro Bowl appearance. DeMarcus Lawrence is another candidate to watch based on how he finished 2015.
To review our original answers, click here: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/06/20-questions-which-cowboys-player-will-make-his-first-pro-bowl-2015
