Tre’Davious White, Stephen Hauschka among Buffalo Bills’ Pro Bowl snubs

When the NFL released its 2017 Pro Bowl rosters last night, three Buffalo Bills were included as members of the AFC squad. Running back LeSean McCoy, guard Richie Incognito, and safety Micah Hyde will all represent the Bills. Three Bills (defensive tackle Kyle Williams, center Eric Wood, and resident process-translator halfback/fullback Mike Tolbert) were also named as alternates.

While this may seem to be a fairly comprehensive list, there were some notable snubs on the Bills’ roster. Cornerback Tre’Davious White, safety Jordan Poyer, and kicker Stephen Hauschka are all in the midst of stellar seasons, and they all have a legitimate gripe regarding their missing Pro Bowl invitation. White took to Twitter following the snub.

While White may be a rookie, he is playing like a grizzled veteran. He is fourth in the NFL in passes defended, making plays on 24 balls in addition to his 4 interceptions. For reference, the man he ostensibly replaced in the lineup, Stephon Gilmore, is tied for 52nd in the league with 10 pass break-ups in addition to his two interceptions. White is clearly one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL already, which certainly bodes well for his NFL future. While White still has a shot at Defensive Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowl nod is one accolade that he should have received.

Stephen Hauschka is another Bills who should feel slighted today. Hauschka’s field goal percentage (88%) kicking in one of the most difficult places to kick in the entire NFL is almost as impressive as his seven makes in eight attempts of fifty yards or more. He’s also been perfect on extra point attempts this season after struggling in that area last season. Hauschka’s wife sounded disappointed Tuesday night, but she did see the bright side of the situation.

Finally, Jordan Poyer is another Bill in the secondary who certainly warrants Pro Bowl consideration. Poyer is third among AFC defensive backs in tackles with 87. He also has 14 pass breakups and 3 interceptions in what has been a fantastic all-around season for the former Cleveland Browns players. Poyer’s fiancee laid into the Pro Bowl process.

It’s technically possible that all three could still be named as alternates after players drop out due to injury, playoff advancement, or indifference, but that doesn’t rectify the fact that they should have been added in the first round of voting. Of all the Bills’ snubs, White is the most egregious. He has the biggest gripe, and he also has the best chance of being added to the roster.