Players that come out of nowhere to have breakout NFL seasons often are not rewarded with Pro Bowl selections. Many times bigger names outweigh bigger production. So here are three that have laid the foundation for earning a nod in the future: 1. Bengals QB Andy Dalton ?» Four quarterbacks were selected before Dalton in April’s NFL Draft, but Cincinnati’s rookie has led the Bengals to a 9-6 record and a chance at a playoff berth. His stats don’t match Panthers rookie Cam Newton, but he and fellow rookie A.J. Green could be one of the best QB-WR combos for the next 10 years.
2. Giants WR Victor Cruz » Although Hakeem Nicks is viewed at the Giants’ top receiver, Cruz is the one that set the franchise single-season record in receiving yards. Cruz is third in the NFL with 1,358 yards and has averaged 17.9 yards a catch.
3. 49ers LB Aldon Smith » Eight players were named to the Pro Bowl for San Francisco, but their rookie pass rusher was not one of them. Smith is fifth in the NFL with 14.0 sacks.
– Jeffrey Tomik
