He was also the only player from the NFC North to make this list.

It's been a big year for the Minnesota Vikings defense. All season they've been ranked towards the top half of the NFL in points and yards allowed per game, and Pro-Bowl safety Harrison Smith has played a huge part of it.

Any fan knows that he's the heart and soul of that unit, and now he's finally getting recognized nationally for it.

With the NFL season now at its halfway point, Sports Illustrated released their mid-season All-Pro team.

only unanimous selection on the defensive side. Ten NFL writers for the website submitted their picks for each position:

The former 2012 first-round pick made his first Pro Bowl last season and is currently second on the team in total tackles with 49.

Smith will continue to anchor the defense this Sunday as they host Detroit (4-4) at U.S. Bank Stadium at noon.

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