PFF ranks Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith #3 player from 2017
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith had an amazing 2017 season, and his amazing play has earned him the #3 spot on their Top 101 players list.
In a league where quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends get a vast majority of the attention from the media and fans, it can be hard for excellent defensive players to stand out, even in an impressive unit like the Minnesota Vikings have.
There were plenty of defenders who stood out for the Vikings during the 2017 NFL season, but none made as huge of a positive impression on sports media and fans as safety Harrison Smith did.
Recently Pro Football Focus released their list of the top 101 players from the 2017 NFL season and Harrison Smith is included on that list in the #3 position, behind only Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.
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"“Smith played all over that defense, making plays as a strong safety, deep-lying free safety and a slot corner, giving the Vikings a legitimate matchup weapon on defense.”"
Harrison Smith was the top graded player during the regular season but found his grade slip in the playoffs, particularly against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.
"“That shouldn’t take away from how spectacular he was in the previous 17 games though, as he was the game’s best safety and the joker that allowed the Vikings defense to be so multiple schematically and so good overall.”"
Next: Harrison Smith makes NFL.com's Top 100 of 2017
Congratulations to Harrison Smith on his amazing 2017 NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings. He will be back for 2018 as the team hopes to build on what they have done and reach the Super Bowl.