All-Pro Team features Seahawks’ Wagner, Steelers’ Brown, half-dozen Rams
The stunning turnaround by the Jacksonville Jaguars shows best in the NFL standings — and the All-Pro Team.
Rarely do the Jags have members of the elite All-Pro squad. For 2017, they have two: edge rusher Calais Campbell and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
“It’s huge,” Campbell said. “That’s a big testament to the work we put in. We don’t just show up and perform. We grind day in and day out to be the best. This defence is very special, so I’m glad to see us get some accolades for our hard work.”
What Campbell and Ramsey did was help the Jaguars rank first in pass defence and second overall, earning their first playoff berth since the 2007 season.
One player, Antonio Brown, was the only unanimous choice for All-Pro. The brilliant wide receiver of the Pittsburgh Steelers drew all 50 ballots from a panel of media members who regularly cover the league.
Brown missed the last two-plus games with an ankle injury.
He was among four players to make a fourth All-Pro squad, joining New England tight end Rob Gronkowski, Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly and Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker.
The repeaters from 2016 were Brown; Rams interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who got 49 votes, and punter Hekker; and Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made his third All-Pro team.
In their own turnaround season, the Rams led the way with six All-Pros, including two more specialists: kicker Greg Zuerlein and kick returner Pharoh Cooper.
Running back Todd Gurley and left tackle Andrew Whitworth were also honoured.
“Dang, that’s crazy. It means a lot,” said Gurley, who likely would have led the league in rushing had he played in L.A.’s finale. “I’ve been following people around the NFL my whole life, and to be considered as an All-Pro, man, God is good, honestly.”
Three Steelers joined Brown on the roster: Le’Veon Bell as the flex, interior defensive lineman Cam Heyward, and right guard David DeCastro.
No other team had more than two All-Pros, with the stronger NFC getting 18 players and the AFC 10.
Two rookies made it: punt returner Jamal Agnew of Detroit and special teamer Budda Baker of Arizona.
Also chosen: Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson and centre Jason Kelce; Panthers left guard Andrew Norwell; Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins; Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan; Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones; Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith; Detroit defensive back Darius Slay; and Titans safety Kevin Byard.
First-timers made an impression on both sides of the ball, with 15 on the team.
Wagner made his third All-Pro squad.