Midseason Report: N.F.C. Pro Bowl Picks With the elections over, football fans can shift their voting focus back to the N.F.L. Pro Bowl ballots opened a few weeks ago. With most of the teams having played exactly half their schedule, it's time for a look at midseason honors. This N.F.C. Pro Bowl roster represents one man's opinion, based on what the film has shown this season. Players are listed in order of merit. Quarterback (3) Matt Ryan, Falcons Has responded to Dirk Koetter's new offense quite well, wouldn't you say? Most encouraging is how comfortable he looks throwing from muddied pockets. Eli Manning, Giants Week 9 struggles aside, having the best season of his (we're now realizing) illustrious career. Aaron Rodgers, Packers Dropped off the radar just a bit because of a slow start. But nine games in, despite injuries at wide receiver and problems along the offensive line, he has 25 touchdowns vs. 5 interceptions, leading the Packers to a 6-3 record. Give him the defense Jay Cutler has (Cutler is playing well, by the way), and the Packers would be undefeated. Running Back (3) Adrian Peterson, Vikings Showing absolutely zero signs of any lingering knee issues. If anything, he's better than he was before. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks Tenacious as ever but is also showing patience and vision behind Seattle's zone-blocking line. Without him, the Seahawks' offense would be spinning mud. Frank Gore, 49ers Averaging well over 5.5 per carry in an offense that opponents know is going to run the ball. Wide Receiver (4) Victor Cruz, Giants Ability to generate late movement on routes makes him the toughest one-on-one cover in the N.F.C. - especially when he's coming out of the slot. Roddy White, Falcons Percy Harvin has been great, but White has been nearly just as versatile. Difference is, from a pure wide receiver standpoint, White is the more refined (and therefore more dangerous) player. Brandon Marshall, Bears Has been everything Chicago's offense needed as a possession receiver. And somehow, despite ho-hum speed, has an ability to get downfield, too. Calvin Johnson, Lions With Megatron and the Lions' offense having somewhat of a down year (by their standards), you could make strong arguments for Harvin, Julio Jones, Larry Fitzgerald and Marques Colston in this spot. But what's easy to forget is that none of those guys, not even Fitzgerald, command the type of every-down attention that Johnson gets. Fullback (1) Henry Hynoski, Giants At times has almost been like a sixth offensive lineman coming out of the backfield. Tight End (2) Jason Witten, Cowboys Jimmy Graham is a more dynamic player, but in terms of game planning, he hasn't contributed nearly as much to New Orleans's offense this season as Witten has to Dallas's. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons Makes it nearly impossible for defenses to guard Julio Jones and Roddy White the way they'd like to. Offensive Tackle Joe Staley, 49ers Not a stalwart, but has developed into the most stellar pass-protecting outside lineman in the N.F.C. And, of course, he's also adept in the run game. Matt Kalil, Vikings Adrian Peterson's favorite lineman throws one of the best pass-blocking punches in the game. It's evident that this sport comes very naturally to the No. 4 overall pick. Sam Baker, Falcons Has quickened his feet in pass protection after losing his starting job at one point last year. Guard (3) Mike Iupati, 49ers Tremendous movement for a man with his power. Kevin Boothe, Giants Gets to the second level as a run-blocker and has been a key contributor on the most unified, consistent pass-blocking line in the league. Jahri Evans, Saints If New Orleans ran more, we wouldn't so easily forget how gifted he is. Center (2) Max Unger, Seahawks Mobility and knack for delivering well-angled blocks in space are key to Seattle's zone efforts. John Sullivan, Vikings Up-and-comer with good feet in confined areas. Improved strength has made him no longer a liability in pass protection or inside road-grading. Defensive End (3) Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants Always dominates in ways the stats don't show. Plus, his stats are pretty darn good. Chris Clemons, Seahawks Quietly one of the most explosive inside/outside edge rushers in the league. Supple strength makes him very good against the run, too. Jared Allen, Vikings Productive as ever. And another star who is also better than his stats. Defensive Tackle (3) Henry Melton, Bears Splendid one-gap shooter who's a perfect fit in Chicago's scheme. Justin Smith, 49ers Just about everything the Niners do with their dynamic front seven hinges on his eating up of blocks. Brandon Mebane, Seahawks A stout run-stuffing nose tackle who plays with near-flawless leverage and lateral strength. Is also capable of pressuring the passer, particularly with second efforts late in the down. Inside Linebacker (2) Brian Urlacher, Bears Fills run gaps as effectively as anybody in the game. Has also started making plays in coverage since seemingly overcoming the knee problems that hounded him early in the year. NaVorro Bowman, 49ers It's a tossup between Bowman and Patrick Willis. Bowman has done slightly more in San Francisco's dime package. But we're splitting hairs between two elite players. Perhaps the fair thing to do is leave both of them out and just go with Daryl Washington. The third-year Cardinal has been outstanding in all facets this season, particularly on passing downs. Outside Linebacker (3) Clay Matthews, Packers The swiftest front seven force you'll find these days. He stands out on film more consistently than anyone in the league. Aldon Smith, 49ers In Year 2, has maintained his dominance as a pass rusher while improving dramatically as an edge-setter against the run. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys The key to Rob Ryan's pressure packages. Can command double teams on non-passing downs, too. Cornerback (3) Charles Tillman, Bears Turnover-creating machine who can also line up and simply stop opposing No. 1 receivers. Richard Sherman, Seahawks The obnoxiously cocky second-year pro is every bit as good as he thinks he is. Tim Jennings, Bears In addition to six interceptions, he has also been outstanding in run support. Strong Safety (1) William Moore, Falcons A wider array of responsibilities has turned him into an adequate cover guy who still has a big-hitter mentality. Free Safety (1) Dashon Goldson, 49ers Doesn't quite have Earl Thomas's range, but his speed is still well above average. Has a great feel for positioning in San Francisco's two-deep man scheme. Kicker (1) Blair Walsh, Vikings Outstanding accuracy is all the more impressive when you look at the distance he's kicking field goals from. Punter (1) Andy Lee, 49ers Power and placement skills are always unparalleled in the N.F.C. Return Specialist (1) Devin Hester, Bears Big plays haven't been there quite as much this season, but he still alters field position by simply walking out on the grass.