2018 Pro Bowl snubs: Alex Smith, Mitchell Schwartz have reasons to be upset
By Matt Conner
Mitchell Schwartz
Mitchell Schwartz came to the Kansas City Chiefs two offseasons ago to help lock down the right side of the offensive line across from Eric Fisher. Before Schwartz’s arrival, the position had been a revolving door of failed candidates or at least versatile guys who were likely better off in a sixth man sort of role.
Every year, Schwartz seems like he’s on the verge of making his first Pro Bowl and yet he’s always glossed over for players from better teams, which was never a surprise when he was playing for the Cleveland Browns. However, this year he’s blocking for the second leading rusher in the NFL and helping to keep Alex Smith upright for a career year that includes delivering the ball to fellow Pro Bowlers like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.
Even more impressive is that Schwartz does what he does inside the AFC West, facing Von Miller twice a year, Khalil Mack twice a year, Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram twice a year. Check out this particular stat:
Facing @PFF's No. 1 (Bosa) & No. 3 (Ingram) graded edge rushers this season, #Chiefs RT Mitchell Schwartz allowed just 1 QB hurry on 36 pass block snaps last night. He's now gone 11 straight games without being responsible for a sack. pic.twitter.com/nvlVyc9ozh
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) December 17, 2017
The only official award ever won by Schwartz for his play at the pro level so far is making the All-Rookie team in 2012. That’s silly for a player who is one of the best right tackles in the game today. He deserves a Pro Bowl nod not only for his efforts but to help shine a spotlight on a seriously underrated player.