2015 All-NFC North Team

CB: Xavier Rhodes, MIN

At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, the 25-year-old Xavier Rhodes is becoming one of the best young cornerbacks in the entire NFL. His combination of size, length, athleticism and power allows him to have the full skill-set to defend any receiver who may line-up against him. Rhodes is well on his way to becoming a legitimate shut-down corner, and his inclusion on this list is obvious.

Safety: Harrison Smith, MIN

Harrison Smith is one of the best safeties in the entire NFL. His ability to play in the box as a run defender is completely unrivaled in today’s game, but do not sleep on his coverage skills. Smith also has the athletic ability to defend all offensive positions in the passing game. Simply put, he has the total package, and is an obvious choice for the safety position on this team.

Safety: Glover Quin, DET

Joining Smith at safety is the Lions’ Glover Quin who is arguably the best cover safety in the NFL. You will rarely see him playing in the box like Smith, but Quin is a big-time playmaker deep in the secondary. In fact, his seven interceptions in 2014 led the entire NFL.

CB: Rashean Mathis, DET

The cornerback position opposite of Rhodes was fairly difficult to choose. Both Rashean Mathis and Casey Hayward deserve consideration, but I went with Mathis for his proven ability on the outside. Mathis has been up-and-down throughout his long career, but he has really seemed to find a home with Detroit the past couple of seasons. Mathis still has nice skills that allow him to be a near shut-down player at the cornerback position.

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