With two preseason games still remaining for NFL teams before the regular season even opens, Elliot Harrison of NFL.com took an early shot at predicting which players would land on the coveted list All-Pro teams at the end of the 2016 season.
Harrison said Anthony Barr is one of his choices to make the All-Pro team at outside linebacker.
The third-year linebacker made his first Pro Bowl last season after racking up 80 tackles with 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and an interception.
Harrison wrote:
Barr was a Pro Bowler last season, but he failed to make the AP's All-Pro team. Part of the issue: In Mike Zimmer's defense, the OLB is not going to be a sack guy. And that is what so many people notice first. Yet, if you look at the whole picture with Barr, you'll see a complete player: seven passes defensed, three forced fumbles and strong against the run. He's one of the main reasons Minnesota cracked the top five in scoring D last year.
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Diggs could be in line for breakout season
Each of ESPN's NFL beat writers picked a player on the teams they cover that could be primed for a breakout season.
Ben Goessling went with a name who had an impressive rookie season: wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Diggs was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team after posting 52 receptions, 720 yards and four touchdowns.
*Diggs led the Vikings in receiving as a rookie and was second among rookie wideouts in receiving yards. He'll shift over to flanker, where he won't line up at the line of scrimmage and could get more free releases on defensive backs. Diggs and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater have worked well together during training camp, and Bridgewater figures to be looking for Diggs early and often in 2016. *
