The National Football League has announced their All-Pro teams for the 2017 NFL season, and there are plenty of Minnesota Vikings to be found on both the first and second teams.
Two prominent members of the Vikings’ defense found spots on the First Team, as both cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith were named to the squad. They’re both, arguably, the best in the National Football League at their positions, so there isn’t a lot of surprise there. Also not surprising is that none of the three safeties in the NFC that were named Pro Bowlers ahead of Smith made First Team All-Pro, as Smith is sharing the position with Tennessee Titans’ safety Kevin Byard.
How strong a selection was Harrison Smith? Out of a possible 50 votes, Smith received 45. Byard, the second-place finisher, garnered 12. Yeah, Harrison Smith is that much better than every other NFL safety. Still not a Pro Bowler, though.
Incidentally, Rhodes also made the Second Team All-Pro squad in the “defensive back” spot, which appears to be a wild card to compensate for the nickel position that has become so prominent in the NFL.
Speaking of Second Team All-Pros, the Vikings have two other players that made that squad, too. They are wide receiver Adam Thielen and defensive end Everson Griffen.
If you’d like to see a full breakdown of the voting, it is available right here.
Congratulations to Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith, Adam Thielen, and Everson Griffen on their All-Pro nods for their outstanding performance this season!