Harrison Smith is the NFL’s top graded safety halfway through the season

Through eight games this year, the Minnesota Vikings’ safety was listed as the best at his position recently by Pro Football Focus.

After one half of the 2017 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings are 6-2 and sitting in first place in the NFC North. The team’s offense has improved from a year ago, but most of the Vikings’ early season success has to do with the play of their talented defense.

A key piece to Minnesota’s defensive success in 2017 has been the outstanding performance of safety Harrison Smith. Ever since he was drafted in 2012, Smith has evolved into arguably the most vital part of the Vikings’ defense.

So far this season, the two-time Pro Bowler has 43 total tackles (third on the team), 1.5 sacks, six pass deflections, and three interceptions. It seems hard to imagine Smith not being voted to his third straight Pro Bowl if he continues to play at his current level for the remainder of the year.

With impressive play also comes an increase in recognition. Recently, the Minnesota safety was listed as the top graded player at his position in the NFL through eight weeks by Pro Football Focus. The rest of the list of safeties Smith graded higher than includes Glover Quin (Detroit Lions), Earl Thomas (Seattle Seahawks), and Kam Chancellor (Seattle Seahawks).

To help explain why they gave Smith the grade that they did, Pro Football Focus did not have much trouble finding evidence to support their claim.

"“Smith leads all safeties with an 89.6 run defense grade. He’s made eight solo run stops, good for a run stop percentage of 6.6 percent when lined up in the box. He’s just as good in his coverage, where his 90.8 grade ranks second. He surrenders a mere 0.16 yards per coverage snap (seventh-lowest among safeties with 100 snaps) and has three interceptions and two pass defenses. Quarterbacks throwing at Smith have a passer rating of just 11.2.”"

Minnesota is going to need their super talented safety to continue playing at a high level this year as the team’s second half schedule has them playing a tough final stretch of five of their final eight games on the road.

Next: Vikings' midseason review - Defense

But based on the performance of the Vikings’ defense so far this season, the team continuing to find success in 2017 does not seem too crazy of a thought to have. Especially with Smith leading the way.