South Fulton Today

Two Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Pitts and Josh Harris, have been named to Pro Bowl, the team said in a Dec. 22 statement.

"Pitts made the league's annual all-star game in his first NFL season, a deserved honor after a standout campaign where he had several huge games and made some highlight-reel catches while moving all over the formation," the team said on its website.

Pitt was this year's No. 4 overall draft pick and the first rookie tight end to be on the initial Pro Bowl roster since Jeremy Shockey in the 2002 season, the Falcons said, citing per Elias Sports Bureau.

Harris, a long snapper, "isn't as recognizable but is still excellent at his craft," the Falcons said.

He has played with the Falcons for a decade, and this will be his first Pro Bowl, according to the team.

"The Auburn product has been steady as ever while playing a vital role in the special teams operation, delivering consistent snaps to a rotating group of holders and punters this season," the team said.

At the Pro Bowl, Harris will be NFC's starting long snapper, the Falcons said.

Cordarrelle Patterson was named Pro Bowl first alternate as a return specialist and a fifth alternate at running back, the team said.

Kicker Younghoe Koo and fullback Keith Smith were named second alternates and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and cornerback A.J. Terrell were named fourth alternates.

  "Alternates often end up playing in the Pro Bowl, as honorees frequently drop out due to injury or as a side effect of playing in the Super Bowl the following week," the team said.

 The Pro Bowl will be Feb. 6 in Las Vegas.