Why Harrison Smith Is the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year

December 12, 2012   ·   Nick McAndrews   ·   Jump to comments

The Minnesota Vikings' success this year has been attributed almost exclusively to star running back Adrian Peterson, but it has been a resurgent defense—particularly the secondary led by rookie free safety Harrison Smith—that has the Vikings in playoff contention.
The Vikings secondary has long been the laughing stock of the division and suffered a terrible season in 2011. Because of new faces in the secondary, specifically Smith on the back-end, the Vikings DBs are no longer a liability, but a strength.
Smith has shown that he was well worth trading up in the 2012 NFL Draft to obtain, and his contributions to a team that no one thought would be a contender should have him in consideration for a Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
His three interceptions—two for touchdowns—and one fumble recovery would be impressive for any rookie safety, but for Smith it doesn't stop there.
Not only is he tied for first on the team in interceptions and pass...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article is property of BleacherReport.com