Rams safety Quintin Mikell (Boise State) was overlooked when the Pro Bowl voting was announced last week. That didn’t sit well with Bleacher Report writer Tyson Langland, who made a case for Mikell instead of Seahawks safety Earl Thomas.

“According to the analysts at Pro Football Focus, Mikell is the second-highest graded safety in the NFC behind only Kerry Rhodes of the Arizona Cardinals,” Langland wrote. “... No safety in the NFL has more quarterback sacks (three) or quarterback hurries (nine) than Mikell. Not to mention he is also incredible against the run. Heading into Week 17, he has three tackles for loss in the run game and 36 defensive stops.”

• Broncotalk.net reported last week that Denver will likely place its franchise tag on right tackle Ryan Clady (Boise State) this offseason. According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 2013 numbers for an offensive lineman will tentatively be $9.6 million. Franchise tag numbers for each position will be finalized in March. This season, Clady made $3.5 million.

• Pat Yasinkas of ESPN has found yet another way to measure the success of Bucs running back Doug Martin (Boise State). According to ESPN Stats & Information, Martin ranks No. 2 in the league in yards after contact with 614. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who is being talked about as a Most Valuable Player candidate, leads the league with 932 yards after contact.

• Texans safety and special teams captain Shiloh Keo (Idaho) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s season finale against the Colts with an ankle injury.

• Cardinals tackle Nate Potter (Boise State) is listed as questionable this week with an ankle injury. Talk about adding insult to injury. If Potter is able to play, he will be charged with trying to help slow down 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, who comes into the game with 19.5 sacks and was just named to the Pro Bowl.

• The Cleveland Plain Dealer posted a Q&A with Browns defensive lineman Billy Winn (Boise State) on Saturday. Find it at http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/five_questions _with_cleveland_14.html

Compiled by Chris Langrill, Idaho Statesman