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On the Wednesday following Week 8 of the 2016 NFL season, NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling released his midseason All-Pro team. Eric Weddle, the Ravens veteran safety signed away from the San Diego last offseason, made his list. Weddle joins safety Tony Jefferson, corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters makeup Wesseling’s All-Pro secondary.
Wesseling explains the selection of Weddle:
Weddle has indeed led a much improved Baltimore defense. Through seven games, he has posted a stat line including 37 tackles, five passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble. The Ravens currently boast the #4 total defense in the NFL.
Unfortunately, he was the only Raven to earn selection as the best at his position on Wesseling’s list. Justin Tucker, the Ravens kicker who is in the midst of a perfect season, was categorized as “In the hunt” behind Indianapolis kicker Adam Vinatieri, a 21-year veteran who recently set a record with 43 made fields goals in a row.
Weddle and Bengals receiver A.J. Green were the only AFC North players regarded as All-Pros on this list. Former Raven Kelechi Osemele, who now suits up for Oakland, earned placement as the one of the two best guards in the league over the first half of the season.
Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley and right guard Marshal Yanda are having strong seasons, but each has missed the last two games with injury, so their omission is understandable. However, neither Brandon Williams or Timmy Jernigan earned mention as even “In the Hunt.” Both of these productive big men slotted in behind Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox, Ndamukong Suh, Geno Atkins, Kyle Williams and Leonard Williams in the defensive tackle rankings.
Hopefully, the Baltimore Ravens play well enough to warranty better representation on All-Pro teams that are formed after the conclusion of the regular season.