Who will be the Minnesota Vikings’ best defensive player in 2017?

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) runs onto the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Harrison Smith, S

In terms of the most important player on Minnesota’s defense, none may be more valuable than Smith. It is incredibly easy for someone to argue that Smith is the glue that holds the Vikings’ defense together.

His ability to rush the passer on one play and hold an opposing receiver in check on the next is not a quality that many defensive players in the NFL posses today. It is probably why Zimmer always has a big grin on his face whenever he speaks about the Minnesota safety.

Even with his success, Smith has missed a total of five games in the past two seasons. If he is able to play a full 16 games in 2017, being the best player on the Vikings’ defense may not be the only recognition he receives.

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