SELECTIONS
Jimmy Graham, TE, third Pro Bowl selection: Graham had a disappointing year compared to his normal output and the lofty expectations that come with a four-year, $40 million contract. The Saints needed a lot more out of him, but the consistency was missing (as it was with pretty much everyone else on the roster). Still, Graham remained one of the top playmakers among NFL tight ends statistically with 79 catches, 835 yards and 10 touchdowns. So his third all-star selection was deserved.
Who he beat out: Dallas' Jason Witten doesn't have the same numbers as the guys who got in, but he could've been selected for his all-around game. San Diego's Antonio Gates and Chicago's Martellus Bennett put up similar numbers to Graham and other guys who made it.
Jahri Evans, G, sixth Pro Bowl selection: This was a bit of a surprise since Evans had a down year. But just like Graham and Drew Brees, he struggled with consistency. He still had some very strong games, especially in his improved run blocking, and he remains a solid veteran who played for one of the league's top offenses. Plus, name recognition and a longtime proven track record go a long way for offensive linemen, who don't have statistics to tell the tale.
Who he beat out: Hard to say since the position is so anonymous. Steelers guard David DeCastro has gotten a lot of credit in Pittsburgh for paving the way for Le'Veon Bell's big year. I've heard good things about Cincinnati's Kevin Zeitler, as well.
SNUBS
Drew Brees, QB: Brees, an eight-time Pro Bowler, is an alternate, just as he was in 2012. It's no mystery why Brees missed the cut: All six quarterbacks selected are heading to the playoffs. Brees leads the NFL with 4,671 passing yards, ranks second with a 69.6 completion percentage and ranks in the top five with 32 TDs and a 99.2 passer rating. But his 14 interceptions are tied for seventh most in the NFL, and too many of them came in big moments. Like the guys I mentioned above, Brees was ultimately too inconsistent. He is the first alternate at quarterback, though.
Who he should've beaten out: I have no problem with the guys who made it, but I wouldn't have been shocked to see Brees sneak in ahead of Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger or Andrew Luck. Those guys all had great seasons, though, and winning matters most.
Others: The Saints didn't have any blatant snubs. Cornerback Keenan Lewis and linebacker Curtis Lofton also played well enough to merit consideration for their first Pro Bowl invites. But they had an awfully steep hill to climb, playing for a 6-9 team and the NFL's 31st-ranked defense.