Three Former Seminoles Make All-Pro Team; Ramsey and Rhodes Headline

The Associated Press announced its 2017 NFL All-Pro selections on Friday afternoon. Florida State was well represented, with three former players being selected.

Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Xavier Rhodes were both chosen for the first team defense, while linebacker Telvin Smith made the second team.

Ramsey is the cornerstone of a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that made waves this season with masterful performances which allowed for the Jaguars’ first playoff appearance in a decade. Ramsey finished the regular season with 52 tackles, four interceptions, and 17 passes defended. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second best cornerback in the league.

On the same defense was the second team selection Telvin Smith. The Jaguars drafted Smith in 2014, and he immediately made an impact as a starting linebacker. This past season is the first time he has been recognized as an All-Pro. Smith accumulated 76 tackles, five passes defended, three interceptions, one defensive touchdown, one sack, and one forced fumble.

Xavier Rhodes was the other first team selection at the same cornerback spot. Rhodes is a key part of a Minnesota Vikings’ secondary that propelled them to 13-3 record and NFC North title. This is also his first selection to an All-Pro team, though he has received recognition in the past with two straight Pro Bowl selections. In the 2017 season, Rhodes had 44 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 passes defended.

Ramsey and Smith will look to help bring Jacksonville its first playoff win in over a decade on Sunday as the Jaguars host the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card game. Rhodes’ Vikings will have a first-round bye and won’t play until divisional weekend against either the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints or Carolina Panthers.