Pro Football Focus released their list of the top 50 players heading into the 2018 NFL season and included Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith.
Harrison Smith can truly do it all. The dynamic safety for the Minnesota Vikings is known for his great coverage, ability to rush the quarterback, hard-hitting style, and surefire tackling, making him one of the most versatile players in the game.
A key part of the Vikings top-ranked defense during the 2017 NFL season, Smith is raking in the accolades. Recently, he was revealed as the 36th best player heading into 2018 by NFL Network, earned All-Pro First Team honors as well as made the Pro Bowl last year.
Pro Football Focus is the latest group to give Minnesota defender some love. On their list of The top 50 NFL players for 2018, they placed Smith in the 15th position, making him the top player of his position on the countdown.
Check out the tweet from Pro Football Focus announcing Smith’s appearance on their list including his amazing overall grade of 97.0 during the 2017 NFL season.
At Number 15: Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith!#PFF50 pic.twitter.com/H8MfW8f61k
— PFF (@PFF) June 8, 2018
"“In 2017, Smith didn’t just post the highest grade of any safety in the game (97.0), he posted the highest single-season grade we have ever seen from a player at that position since PFF has been grading every snap of every NFL game (2006).”"
While seeing the Pro Football Focus numbers are great, fans don’t need that information to know the impact Harrison Smith makes on the football field. The team is noticeably better when he is in the lineup and all the things he can do to alter the plans of opposing offenses makes rushing the passer more lucrative.
"“Smith graded well in all facets of the game and has a complete skillset that allows the Vikings’ defense to play any scheme they want on a play-by-play basis, knowing that they have the shape-shifting keystone on which to build the rest of the defense.”"
In a secondary that includes former first-round draft picks Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes as well as starting safety Andrew Sendejo, Smith has found a place to thrive in the Minnesota defense under head coach Mike Zimmer.
Smith is finally getting the attention he deserves for his amazing play in Minnesota and it is long overdue. While it could be debated that he deserves to be closer to the top position on PFF’s list, the respect alone to be included in the list is a huge honor.
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Congratulations to Harrison Smith on making the Pro Football Focus top 50 players for 2018 list and hopefully he can continue to play at a high level for many more seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.