The Vikings took a safety in the first round of the 2012 draft. Not only has that safety remained a starter for the team, but he’s gone on to become one of the best defensive backs in franchise history.
If you didn’t know by now, that safety is Harrison Smith, a fixture in the Minnesota defense who doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Smith finished 2020 with five interceptions, 10 passes defended and a PFF grade of 74.3.
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo thinks Smith is the most likely future Hall of Fame candidate the Vikings currently have on their roster. DeArdo doesn’t think the safety is a lock, though. Here’s what else he wrote:
“Smith’s career is following a similar trajectory to that of Eric Weddle, a 14-year veteran who retired last offseason. Weddle’s career, which included six Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections, could be described as “on the fence” as it relates to his future Hall of Fame odds. That means that Smith, a five-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, will likely need to rack up more individual accolades if he wants to improve his future Hall of Fame odds. Given his age (he turned 32 earlier this month), Smith should have several more productive seasons ahead of him.”
DeArdo tabbed Dalvin Cook as a player who’s close to Smith in his ranking of most likely Minnesota Hall of Famers.
If Minnesota wants to at least keep one starting safety around this offseason, the team may have to extend Smith. Read more about that here.