The Extra Point
Harrison Smith has been making his mark for years with big hits and clutch interceptions for the Minnesota Vikings. As a key piece of one of the NFL’s top defenses, the playmaking safety was voted the top player in the league at his position. “The independent analysts at Pro Football Focus rated Smith’s performance in 2017 the highest by any player at any position in the league,” AP writer Dave Campbell said. “This year, the three- time Pro Bowl pick has three intercep- tions and three sacks in nine games. No player in the NFL hit both of those marks over the entire 2017 season. “With Earl Thomas out for the year, it’s easy to see Smith as the top safety in the league.” The AP voters overwhelmingly agreed. Smith received 97 points in a 10- points- to- one- point system, garnering eight of 10 first- place votes. He finished second on one ballot and third on the other to easily outdistance the New York Giants’ Landon Col- lins, who had 69 points. “Not only is Smith the clear leader at this position, particularly with his skills in coverage,” said writer Barry Wilner, “but he’s probably Minnesota’s most valuable defensive player.” That’s saying a lot, particularly with a team that includes defensive end Danielle Hunter, who leads the NFL with 11 ½ sacks. “Smith is an elite pass defender who can bat away a throw or pick off a pass on one play, then sack the QB on the next,” writer Howard Fendrich said.