4 reasons why Vikings safety Harrison Smith is still elite

Smith’s NFL peers recognize his greatness

If you’re still on the fence about Pro Football Focus and passer-rating-against, let’s pivot to reputation.

Each summer, the NFL circulates ballots for players to vote on which guys are the best in the league. A list is then devised culminating in an NFL Top 100 show that generally airs on the eve of training camp.

This year, your friendly neighborhood Hitman ranked 64th on that Top 100 list. Among all safeties, Smith was the fourth-best and he was only bettered by Jamal Adams, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Tyrann Mathieu. Smith is the oldest of these four men, so his inclusion in it is considered especially prestigious.

The praise is not limited to players. Two years ago, iconic Patriots coach Bill Belichick gushed over Smith.

“He’s the best weak safety I’ve seen since I’ve been in the National Football League in my career. He’s outstanding at pretty much everything. The list goes on and on with him. It’s just a question of pretty much anything he’s out there for, he’s good at.”

Thank goodness Smith has never been tempted to leave the North Star State because Belichick is always lurking.