Two Vikings Make First-Team All-Pro Squad
K. Joudry
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Admit it: the news about Justin Jefferson making the All-Pro team doesn’t come as much of a shock. After all, he led the NFL in both receptions and yards. In the process, he overcame some guys named Cris Carter and Randy Moss, two receivers who previously held onto those records for the Vikings. What’s more surprising, perhaps, is that Jefferson isn’t the only Minnesota player to be included. There are two Vikings on the AP All-Pro team.
Two Vikings as All Pros
Before getting to #18, we’ll discuss the other Viking to make it onto the team: long snapper Andrew DePaola. I can genuinely say that I’m very, very excited he made the team. He has quietly put together a really nice year for Minnesota.
Earlier in the week, we learned that DePaola made the PFF All-Pro Team. This is what PFF had to say about him:
PFF tracks accuracy on long snaps, and there has been no safer long snapper than DePaola, who had just four slightly off-target snaps all season.
According to Chris Tomasson, DePaola received 26 of 50 first-place votes. Good to see the veteran get some recognition. He will be a free agent in 2023, so hopefully Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can get him back in a purple uniform. His last deal had him making a touch more than $1 million in 2022.
DePaola played all 17 games, picking up 3 tackles to go alongside his excellent snapping. He is also a Pro Bowler.
Justin Jefferson was a unanimous selection for the All Pro team. As it should be. It would have been more surprising if someone didn’t vote for him.
What more can we say about the young phenom? He’s eligible to sign an extension and it’ll likely be record setting. I, for one, would be very pleased to see him play his whole career in a purple and gold uniform.
By the end of the year, Jefferson had 128 catches, 1809 yards, and 8 TDs. He added a rushing touchdown and 24 yards on the ground. Heck, the man even had 2 passes (on 2 attempts) go for 34 yards. Teach him how to pass block and stick him at offensive tackle; at that point, Jefferson would contribute in every possible way on offense.
In all seriousness, we’re watching a Hall of Fame talent play receiver every week. At 23, there’s even the potential that he’s still getting better.
Otherwise, it’s notable that Kene Nwangwu – the team’s kickoff returner – finished as a second-team All Pro. Keisean Nixon, Green Bay’s returner, ended up snagging the top spot in 2022. It’s a well-earned honor for the Cheesehead.
Jefferson, DePaola, Nwangwu, and the rest of the Vikings get the chance to keep the good times rolling when New York comes to town on Sunday. A win would push the Vikings into the NFC’s Divisional Round.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
