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The Associated Press announced its NFL All-Pro teams on Friday, and the New Orleans Saints had six players represented on the two lists. Wide receiver Michael Thomas, right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, linebacker Demario Davis, and returns specialist Deonte Harris were each selected as first-team All-Pros. Edge rusher Cameron Jordan and special teams ace J.T. Gray made the All-Pro second-team.
Interestingly, Thomas was one of just two players to be unanimously selected by the 50-strong panel of voters. He was joined by New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who tied the NFL lead for interceptions (6) on the league’s leading defense for total interceptions (25). That’s rare company for Thomas to join, but as the NFL’s king in both receptions (149) and receiving yards (1,725) there’s no doubting his qualifications. Depending on how the playoffs turn out, there’s a good chance Thomas and Gilmore may line up against each other in Super Bowl LIV.
The full list of Saints players who received All-Pro votes go as follows:
- Wide receiver Michael Thomas, 50
- Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, 30
- Punt returner Deonte Harris, 29 (plus 2 votes at kick returner, and 1 at special teamer)
- Linebacker Demario Davis, 18
- Edge rusher Cameron Jordan, 12
- Special teamer J.T. Gray, 3
- Kicker Wil Lutz, 3
- Left tackle Terron Armstead, 2
- Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, 1 (plus 1 vote at defensive back)
So this highlights a few issues with the Associated Press ballot. The biggest problem is that there are inconsistencies between position designations used by different voters, meaning Harris received nominations at punt returner (where he’s done most of his damage), kick returner, and special teamer. Similarly, Lattimore earned votes at both cornerback and defensive back. Until the Associated Press buckles down and makes it more clear which players are qualified for which positions, there are going to be more incongruities. At least Pro Bowl snubs like Davis and Ramczyk got their due.
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