NFLPA announces second annual player-decided All-Pro Team

The NFLPA announced its All-Pro team, which is voted on by its membership, as opposed to coaches or media members. As expected Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey and CeeDee Lamb led the way. They were the most spectatular offensive players in the league.

But curiously, some of the biggest names on defense, specifically at edge pusher, didn’t receive an honor on the NFLPA team. Steelers T.J. Watt, who led the NFL in sacks, didn’t make the squad. Neither did Cowboys star Micah Parsons, who many view as a defensive player of the year candidate.

It’s the second straight year the NFLPA has compiled a best of list from its membership. The players union promised it also would release the top five vote getters at each position. But on Wednesday, it solely was about the first team.

The union also released its voting rules, which make the team unique. Only active players can vote. And they only receive one vote. A player cannot vote for his own teammate or for himself. And here’s an interesting note. Players may only select players from their position group. So it’s edge rushers picking the best of fellow edge rushers. Also, the player can vote their opinion on the position group he competes with directly. The NFLPA used a center as an example. Jason Kelce was the top pick. He also could vote on nose tackle, interior defensive lineman or off-ball linebacker.

A player who missed five or more games by week 15 couldn’t be included on the NFLPA team. And, the first-team squad includes special teams players other than the traditional kicker, punter and returnmen. Team leaders selected two special teamers from their squads for inclusion on the ballot.

NFLPA All-Pro first team offense

Quarterback: Lamar Jackson (Baltimore)
Running back: Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco)
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk (San Francisco)
Wide Receiver: CeeDee Lamb (Dallas), Tyreek Hill (Miami)
Tight End: Travis Kelce (Kansas City)
Left Tackle: Trent Williams (San Francisco)
Left Guard (tie): Joel Bitonio (Cleveland), Tyler Smith (Dallas)
Center: Jason Kelce (Philadelphia)
Right Guard: Zack Martin (Dallas)
Right Tackle: Lane Johnson (Philadelphia)

First-team defense

Edge Rusher: Myles Garrett (Cleveland), Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas)
Nose Tackle: Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants)
Interior Defensive Lineman (2): Chris Jones (Kansas City), Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams)
Off-Ball Linebacker (2): Roquan Smith (Baltimore), Fred Warner (San Francisco)
Cornerback (2): DaRon Bland (Dallas), Pat Surtain II (Denver)
Free Safety:  Jessie Bates III (Atlanta)
Strong Safety: Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore)

Special team selections

Kick Returner: Keisean Nixon (Green Bay)
Punt Returner: Derius Davis (Los Angeles Chargers)
Core Teamer (2): Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Detroit), Brenden Schooler (New England)
Kicker: Brandon Aubrey (Dallas)
Punter: AJ Cole (Las Vegas)
Long snapper: Ross Matiscik (Jacksonville)