AP All-Pro teams: McCaffrey picked twice; Thomas, Gilmore unanimous choices
The Associated Press released its 2019 All-Pro honorees on Friday, and Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey highlights the first team by being selected at two different positions.
McCaffrey, who became only the third player in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season, received the most All-Pro votes for both the top running back and the top flex player in 2019.
The flex position was created in 2016 to reward players who best exemplify the modern era of NFL offenses.
The 2019 All-Pro first team also features two unanimous selections: New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas and New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson received 47 of 50 votes, with Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Russell Wilson getting the other three.
Along with Jackson, 13 others made the All-Pro team for the first time. Saints punt returner and undrafted rookie Deonte Harris is the only first-year player to appear on the first team.
First-team offense
| POS. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Lamar Jackson | Ravens |
| RB | Christian McCaffrey | Panthers |
| Flex | Christian McCaffrey | Panthers |
| TE | George Kittle | 49ers |
| WR | Michael Thomas | Saints |
| WR | DeAndre Hopkins | Texans |
| LT | Ronnie Stanley | Ravens |
| LG | Quenton Nelson | Colts |
| C | Jason Kelce | Eagles |
| RG | Zack Martin | Cowboys |
| RT | Ryan Ramczyk | Saints |
First-team defense
| POS. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Edge | Chandler Jones | Cardinals |
| Edge | T.J. Watt | Steelers |
| IDL | Aaron Donald | Rams |
| IDL | Cam Heyward | Steelers |
| LB | Bobby Wagner | Seahawks |
| LB | Demario Davis | Saints |
| LB | Eric Kendricks | Vikings |
| CB | Stephon Gilmore | Patriots |
| CB | Tre'Davious White | Bills |
| S | Jamal Adams | Jets |
| S | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Steelers |
| DB* | Marcus Peters/Tyrann Mathieu/Marlon Humphrey | Ravens/Chiefs/Ravens |
* Each player received the same amount of votes
First-team special teams
| POS. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| K | Justin Tucker | Ravens |
| P | Brett Kern | Titans |
| KR | Cordarrelle Patterson | Bears |
| PR | Deonte Harris | Saints |
| ST | Matthew Slater | Patriots |
Meanwhile, the All-Pro second team features some newcomers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaq Barrett and Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons are receiving All-Pro recognition for the first time in their careers.
Barrett is the first player to lead the NFL in sacks (19.5) and not be selected to the first team since DeMarcus Ware in 2010.
Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, who made the first team as an edge rusher, also appears on the second squad among linebackers.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is the pick at both running back and flex on the second team.
Second-team offense
| POS. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Russell Wilson | Seahawks |
| RB | Derrick Henry | Titans |
| Flex | Derrick Henry | Titans |
| TE | Travis Kelce | Chiefs |
| WR | Julio Jones | Falcons |
| WR | Chris Godwin | Buccaneers |
| LT | David Bakhtiari | Packers |
| LG* | Joel Bitonio/Joe Thuney | Browns/Patriots |
| C | Rodney Hudson | Raiders |
| RG | Marshal Yanda | Ravens |
| RT | Mitchell Schwartz | Chiefs |
Second-team defense
| POS. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Edge | Shaq Barrett | Buccaneers |
| Edge | Cameron Jordan | Saints |
| IDL | Grady Jarrett | Falcons |
| IDL | DeForest Buckner | 49ers |
| LB | Luke Kuechly | Panthers |
| LB | Darius Leonard | Colts |
| LB | T.J. Watt | Steelers |
| CB | Richard Sherman | 49ers |
| CB | Marcus Peters | Ravens |
| S | Justin Simmons | Broncos |
| S | Tyrann Mathieu | Chiefs |
Second-team special teams
| POS. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| K | Josh Lambo | Jaguars |
| P | Tress Way | Redskins |
| KR | Mecole Hardman | Chiefs |
| PR | Diontae Johnson | Steelers |
| ST* | Cordarrelle Patterson/J.T. Gray | Bears/Saints |
* Each player received the same amount of votes