It’s the middle of the NFL season, which means it’s time for my midseason All-Pro team.
The All-Pro team is led by Lamar Jackson at quarterback, a player who appears to be on track to win his third league MVP. Jackson has the Baltimore Ravens offense as the top-ranked scoring offense in the league and his passing is a big reason why.
Sure, having running back Derrick Henry, who is also on my midseason team, gives him a good running game. But Jackson’s understanding of Todd Monken’s passing game is the reason the Ravens are putting up big numbers.
Jackson is a much different football pitcher than he has been in the past. He seems much calmer doing so, which speaks to his command of the offense. He has 20 touchdown passes and two interceptions and a completion percentage of 68.2, which is the best of his career.
Now here is the rest of the team:
Offense
Attack player
This was an easy choice. It’s impressive to see how much he’s improved throwing the ball in this Todd Monken offense. He can still do it with his legs, but it’s his shooting ability that keeps him growing as a player.
Runners-up: Josh Allen (Bills), Joe Burrow (Bengals), Jared Goff (Lions), Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
running back
When they signed him this offseason, I really wasn’t sure if he would ever be the same as when he was in his prime. He is that and much more. He can still go on long runs and run over people.
Runner-up: Saquon Barkley (Eagles)
wide receiver
The first two were easy with former college teammates Chase and Jefferson leading the pack. The third election was difficult. I went with McLaurin, who finally has a quarterback and is putting up impressive numbers.
Runners-up: CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), Garrett Wilson (Jets), Drake London (Falcons), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)
tight end
He leads all tight ends with six touchdowns and is one of the best blocking tight ends in the game. It was a tough choice between Kittle and rookie Brock Bowers, but I chose the more complete player.
Runners-up: Brock Bowers (Raiders), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
left tackle
He was waiting for a new agreement and he got it. Because? He is the best in the league. He gives them a rock at left tackle, a player who excels in both pass protection and the running game. He gains a slight advantage over Tristan Wirfs.
Runners-up: Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers), Rashawn Slater (Chargers), Paris Johnson Jr. (Cardinals), Charles Cross (Seahawks)
left guard
After a few years of inactivity, he has returned to playing at a high level. He’s a big part of what they do in the run game, but he’s also good in pass protection.
Runner-up: Joe Thuney (Chiefs)
Center
As the pivot in the middle of the best interior offensive line in the league, he makes everything work. He is smart, tough and athletic.
Runners-up: Frank Ragnow (Lions), Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens), Aaron Brewer (Dolphins)
right guard
He is an attacker in the run game and has improved in pass protection over the years. He can attack defensive linemen and really get them off the ball.
Runner-up: Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)
right tackle
He’s taken the throne of best right tackle in the game from the Eagles’ Lane Johnson, but he’s still close. Sewell is big, athletic and can move. He can also show his power in the running game.
Runners-up: Zach Tom (Packers), Lane Johnson (Eagles)
Defense
Edge
Hutchinson is injured and out for the rest of the season, but he earned the right to be on this team. He was a great disruptor before his injury ended his season after five games. In those five games, he had 7 1/2 sacks and was on track to be the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt remains a star pass rusher who can totally change a game. Serving, losing the ball and finishing the game is his way.
Runners-up: Myles Garrett (Browns), Maxx Crosby (Raiders), Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
defensive tackle
Lawrence is a powerful player in the middle who is double dominant in the run game, but can also push the pocket and get sacks. Jones remains one of the league’s true game-busters, a player who can line up anywhere on the line.
Runners-up: Cameron Heyward (Steelers), Alim McNeill (Lions), Jalen Carter (Eagles)
linebacker
Warner remains the best off-ball linebacker in the game. There’s nothing I can’t do. Wagner has reemerged in the Commander’s defense, looking like the Wagner of his youth.
Runners-up: Logan Wilson (Bengals), Zack Baun (Eagles), Leo Chenal (Chiefs)
cornerback
Many of the expected top cornerbacks, guys like the Jets’ Sauce Gardner, haven’t played as well as expected. That allows a player like McCollum to get a spot with Surtain and Humphrey, two solid veterans who also land on the team. McCollum has been one of the biggest surprises this season, but the Bucs praised him over the summer when I visited him for camp.
Runners-up: DJ Reed (Jets), Trent McDuffie (Chiefs)
Security
McKinney has proven to be one of the best free agent signings, as he is tied for the league lead with six interceptions. He has been a steady force for the Packers defense. Branch has moved to safety and developed a knack for being all over the field. He played nickel last season, but the move to safety was the right one and worth it.
Runners-up: Kerby Joseph (Lions), Brandon Jones (Broncos), Jessie Bates III (Falcons)
Kicker
He has only missed one kick this season and it was from more than 60 yards. He is 23 of 24 in his field goals.
Runners-up: Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys), Austin Seibert (Commanders)
Player
He leads in net average, second in yards per punt and has 13 of his 27 punts inside the 20. The Lions don’t punt much, but he’s outstanding when they do.
Runners-up: AJ Cole (Raiders), Logan Cooke (Jaguars)
kick returner
He does a good job as a punt returner, averaging 16.2 and one touchdown, and can also boot kickoffs if they don’t leave the end zone. He has two kickoff returns over 40 and a 34.1 average on his 13 returns.
Runners-up: Kalif Raymond (Lions), Parker Washington (Jaguars)
special teams
Runners-up: Nick Bellore (Commanders), Brenden Schooler (Patriots)
