Vikings Safety Harrison Smith Makes “NFL Top 100” List for Sixth Time
Josh Frey
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Vikings safety Harrison Smith has been a prominent piece of Minnesota’s defense ever since he was drafted with the 29th overall pick back in 2012.
The defender, nicknamed “The Hitman,” has been known for delivering punishing blows in run support while his terrific speed and ball skills allow him to force turnovers in the passing game.
Every year, the NFL releases its “Top 100” list, featuring the top 100 players in the league, as voted by the players themselves. The league began unveiling their latest list, revealing Nos. 100-91 on Monday.
Heading into 2023, Smith has once again been featured on the list, placing at No. 97. It is the sixth time that he has been voted onto the list by his peers and the first since 2020. Also featured on the list are the following players:
- 100: WR Devonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)
- 99: EDGE Demarcus Lawrence (Dallas Cowboys)
- 98: OT Tristan Wirfs (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- 97: S Harrison Smith (Minnesota Vikings)
- 96: QB Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
- 95: RB Jamaal Williams (New Orleans Saints)
- 94: WR Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders)
- 93: LB Eric Kendricks (Los Angeles Chargers)
- 92: CB Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore Ravens)
- 91: RB Dalvin Cook (Free Agent)
However, this is the lowest ranking that Smith has had on the list. He made the list in five straight seasons from 2016-2020 prior to this nomination. Here is where he landed in those years:
- 2016: No. 73
- 2017: No. 74
- 2018: No. 46
- 2019: No. 83
- 2020: No. 64
Smith certainly earned his place on the list heading into the 2023 season following his strong 2022 campaign. He recorded 85 tackles during the season, including a tackle for loss, and he defended 10 passes while intercepting 5 of them and forcing a fumble.
Now, in 2023, he is one of the few veteran presences remaining from the Vikings defenses of the past. Particularly in the secondary, Minnesota has gotten very young this offseason, parting ways with Cameron Dantzler, Patrick Peterson, Duke Shelley, and Chandon Sullivan, who all made at least five starts at cornerback last year.
Hopefully, Smith will be able to lead the way for some of the young Vikings defenders, especially safety Lewis Cine, who Minnesota selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.