The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday that safety Harrison Smith had been named to his first Pro Bowl, replacing Seattle’s Earl Thomas. Many thought of Smith as one of the best safeties in the NFL over the course of the 2015 season and Pro Football Focus even named him to their all-pro team. Alas, injuries caused him to miss three games during the regular season and likely played a big part in why he was not originally named to the Pro Bowl.
Smith recorded 87 tackles, six quarterback hits, three tackles for a loss, two interceptions, two pass deflections, 1½ sacks and a forced fumble during the 2015 season.