JACKSONVILLE – Yannick Ngakoue didn't like it – and his teammates didn't, either.
That was clear in the Jaguars' locker room Wednesday, a day after the NFL announced selections for the 2018 Pro Bowl.
While four Jaguars defensive players – cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, end Calais Campbell and tackle Malik Jackson – were named to the game, the feeling was strong Wednesday afternoon that several more Jaguars players should have been named.
Foremost on that list: Ngakoue, a defensive end currently sixth in the NFL with 11 sacks.
"At the end of the day, the decision was made," Ngakoue said as the AFC South-leading Jaguars (10-4) prepared to play the San Francisco 49ers (4-10) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. "There were guys picked who don't have better stats.
"I can't say too much about that. It is what it is."
Ngakoue, a second-year veteran, has four multiple-sack games this season and has forced six fumbles. He was among several players teammates mentioned as being overlooked.
"He definitely should have been in – him, [linebacker] Telvin [Smith], [safety] Tashaun Gipson," said Campbell, who made his third Pro Bowl after making it with Arizona in 2014 and 2015. "You can go down the list: offensive linemen, running back …
"When I talk to the guys, I tell them, 'All of that takes care of itself.' A lot of guys don't get it when they really deserve it but when we continue to handle our business in the playoffs and on the biggest stage, the whole world will see."
Campbell was far from alone in his sentiments.
"I feel like Telvin definitely should have been in there for sure," Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack said. "But I don't think the Pro Bowl measures what guy's talent is. Some guys get sensitive over it. Some guys feel some type of way.
"I know at the end of the day that Telvin's a baller – same with Yann [Ngakoue] and same with other guys who didn't get picked to the Pro Bowl. We know what we do.
"That's a popularity contest. I'm more into Super Bowls, you know what I mean?"
Notes and observations from around the Jaguars Wednesday:
*While the Pro Bowl was a topic Wednesday, a larger topic was the opportunity Sunday to clinch the first AFC South title in franchise history. "Getting [AFC South Champions] T-Shirts and hats … man, if that doesn't motivate guys, I don't know what will," Gipson said. "For a lot of guys in here, myself included, this is foreign territory… Why not clinch everything come Sunday? Let's get this thing over with."
*Gipson on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: "If he slays the dragon in the Jacksonville Jaguars, that will give them something to talk about. This will be his biggest test. I know this will be an important game for him. This will be his true test. I respect his game, but he has to come through us. If he proves me otherwise, kudos to him. We're going to see what he can do come Sunday." Garoppolo has led the 49ers to three consecutive victories since becoming the team's starting quarterback. …
*Gipson also discussed Ngakoue not making the Pro Bowl. "Stay away from 91 (Ngakoue)," Gipson joked to reporters, adding: "And good luck to 10 (Garoppolo) when we see him Sunday, because he (Ngakoue) is out to prove something for sure." …
*Rookie running back Leonard Fournette practiced full Wednesday after missing Sunday's victory over Houston with a quadriceps injury. Other Jaguars players listed with injuries practicing full Wednesday: quarterback Blake Bortles (right wrist), Ramsey (back), defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (hamstring) and defensive back Peyton Thompson (foot). …
*Wide receiver Allen Hurns (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after missing the past five games, saying after practice "It felt fine. I haven't been out for a while, but it felt good. …"
*Hurns said he isn't surprised the Jaguars' young receiver trio of Dede Westbrook (rookie), Keelan Cole (rookie) and Jaydon Mickens (first-year veteran) has flourished in recent weeks, taking advantage of opportunities created by injuries to Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee. "Coming into the season, we thought we had the most depth on the roster as far as the wideouts," Hurns said. Robinson has been out since Week 1 with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and Hurns has been out since a November 12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. When Lee left in the first quarter Sunday with an ankle injury, Mickens replaced him and caught his first two career touchdown passes. Cole caught a career-high seven passes for 186 yards and a touchdown against Houston. "Nobody was nervous at all," Hurns said. "We knew the plays they were capable of making." …
*Running back Chris Ivory (back/elbow) worked limited Wednesday, as did center Brandon Linder (ankle/hand/knee). Lee (ankle), wide receiver Larry Pinkard (concussion) and tight end Marcedes Lewis (shoulder) all missed practice. …
