St. Louis Rams Trio Headed To 2016 Pro Bowl

The 2016 Pro Bowl selections are in, and the St. Louis Rams are sending three players to Hawaii. Congratulations to rookie running back Todd Gurley, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and lastly special teams punter Johnny Hekker. All of which who are having an outstanding season. The last time three St. Louis Rams went to the Pro Bowl was back in 2006 when Torry Holt, Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger was selected.

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First, Gurley is having a remarkable rookie season. Gurley who did not start until week 4 of this season, is currently ranked third on rushing yards this season with 1,023 thus far. If Gurley was healthy to start the season, there is a strong possibility that he could have the number one spot on rushing yards this season.

When the Rams selected running back Gurley with the 10th pick in the recent NFL draft, there were some speculations on why they picked another running back knowing last year Tre Mason was incredible. However Gurley has proved everybody so far on why he is worth that 10th overall pick. Gurley became the first rookie in NFL history to rush for at least 125 yards in four consecutive starts, and his 556 rushing yards in his first four starts are the most in NFL History. He also made history as he joined legends Eric Dickerson and Jerome Bettis last Thursday. Gurley became the Rams third rookie running back to rush for 1,000 yards in his first season. Gurley was also NFL Offensive player of the month in October.

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates with teammates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Next, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is having himself more than a Pro Bowl selection season. Donald will be returning back to the Pro Bowl as he went to Hawaii his rookie year, but Donald could be nominated for much more. Donald is also in the mix for Defensive player of the year. Donald has 11.0 sacks so far in 2015, and has a chance to break the franchise season sack record for a defensive tackle (11.5), set by D’Marco Farr in 1995. Donald also leads the team with 22 quarterback hits and is second with 35 quarterback pressures. Donald is the clearly the Rams defensive ace.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker (6) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lastly, punter Johnny Hekker will also be making his second trip back to Hawaii. Hekker was selected to the Pro Bowl back in 2013. Through 14 games, the punter is putting up a career high in punt average at 48.3 yards per punt. That mark leads the league, and his 43.9-yard net average is No. 2 behind Baltimore’s Sam Koch. Hekker also was selected as NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in October and the Oregon State product leads the league with 38 punts downed inside the 20. The Rams worse offense in the league could probably play a part in Hekker shinning in that category as well.

Each of these players are the future for the St. Louis Rams, as they are heading to Hawaii to particpate in the 2016 Pro Bowl. Once again, congratulations to Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Johnny Hekker and represent the Rams well in the Pro Bowl.

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