T.J. Watt, Miles Killebrew named First-Team All-Pro

The Steelers scored two players on the AP All Pro list, which was released Friday. And maybe it’s a clue as to whether T.J. Watt will contend for NFL defensive player of the year.

The other Pittsburgh player to earn this coveted honor is special teamer Miles Killebrew. Playing special teams, Killebrew doesn’t receive the attention as someone like Watt. This is his first time to make All Pro. He also is headed to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career.

“For me it’s the purest form of the game,” Killebrew said. “It’s one on one, but it’s also so team driven. When I block a punt, it’s not just my efforts, everyone has to be doing their job. It’s a lot of fun. Making a man doing something against his will. Open field tackling. It’s blocking. It’s everything about football in one play, that’s why I love it.”

Meanwhile, Watt was one of two edge rushers to make first-team All Pro. Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett was the top vote getter at the position. Earlier this week, the NFLPA released its all-star team as selected by players in the league. Garrett and Raiders edge Maxx Crosby were the top two.

Current speculation has Garrett, Watt or Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons as the favorite for NFL defensive player of the year. But the AP All-Pro team may offer another favorite. Fred Warner, the 49er great, was the only defender to be selected unanimously by the 50-member voting panel.

The other two unanimous selections were 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.

AP All Pro offensive team

Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore

Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco

Tight End: George Kittle, San Francisco

Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill, Miami; CeeDee Lamb, Dallas; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit.

Left Tackle: Trent Williams, San Francisco

Right Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit

Left Guard: Joe Thuney, Kansas City

Right Guard: Zack Martin, Dallas

Center: Jason Kelce, Philadelphia

NFL defensive first-teamers

Edge Rushers: Myles Garrett, Cleveland; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh

Interior Linemen: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams; Chris Jones, Kansas City

Linebackers: Fred Warner, San Francisco; Roquan Smith, Baltimore; Quincy Williams, New York Jets

Cornerbacks: DaRon Bland, Dallas; Sauce Gardner, New York Jets

Slot cornerback: Trent McDuffie, Kansas City

Safeties: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore; Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay

Special team selections

Placekicker: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas

Punter: AJ Cole, Las Vegas

Kick Returner: Keisean Nixon, Green Bay

Punt Returner: Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans

Special Teamer: Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh

Long Snapper: Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville