Prisco’s midseason NFL All-Pro team: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are the best players at halftime

It’s the halfway point of the NFL season, which means it’s time for my mid-season All-Pro team.

The All-Pro team is led by Lamar Jackson at quarterback, a player who appears to be on track to win his third-tier MVP. For Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ offense is the highest-scoring offense in the league, and his passing is a big reason why.

Sure, running back Derrick Henry, who is also on my midseason team, gives him a nice running attack. But Jackson’s feel for Todd Monken’s passing game is why the Ravens have so many players.

Jackson is a completely different football thrower than he has been in the past. He looks much calmer, which suggests that he is in control of the offense with confidence. He has 20 touchdown passes and two interceptions and a completion percentage of 68.2, which is the best of his career.

Here is the rest of the team:

attack

quarterback

That was an easy decision. It’s impressive to see how much he’s improved throwing the football in this Todd Monken offense. He still gets it done with his legs, but it’s his ability to throw it that keeps him growing as a player.

Runners-up: Josh Allen (Bills), Joe Burrow (Bengals), Jared Goff (Lions), Jayden Daniels (Commanders)

Run back

When they signed him this offseason, I really wasn’t sure if he would be the same in his prime. He is that and much more. He can still rip off long runs and run people over.

Second: Saquon Barkley (Eagles)

Wide receiver

The top two were easy to get to, with Chase and Jefferson, former college teammates, leading the group. The third choice was a difficult decision. I chose McLaurin, who finally has a quarterback and is putting up impressive numbers.

Runners-up: CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), Garrett Wilson (Jets), Drake London (Falcons), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)

Tight end

He leads all tight ends with six touchdowns and is one of the best blocking tight ends in the game. It was a tough choice between Kittle and rookie Brock Bowers, but I went with the more complete player.

Runners-up: Brock Bowers (Raiders), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

Left tackle

He waited for a new deal and got one. Why? He is the best in the league. He gives them a hammer at left tackle, a player who excels in both pass defense and the run game. He has a slight advantage over Tristan Wirfs.

Runners-up: Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers), Rashawn Slater (Chargers), Paris Johnson Jr. (Cardinals), Charles Cross (Seahawks)

Left guard

After a few bad years he is playing at a high level again. He’s an important part of what they do in the run game, but he’s also good in pass protection.

Second: Joe Thuney (Chiefs)

center

As the linchpin in the middle of the best interior offense in the league, he ensures that everything succeeds. He is smart, tough and athletic.

Runners-up: Frank Ragnow (Lions), Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens), Aaron Brewer (Dolphins)

Right guard

He is a hitter in the run game and has improved his pass protection over the years. He can attack the defensive linemen and really move them off the ball.

Second: Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)

Real attack

He’s taken over the throne of best right tackle in the game from Lane Johnson of the Eagles, but it’s still close. Sewell is tall, athletic and can move. He can also demonstrate his power in the running game.

Runners-up: Zach Tom (Packers), Lane Johnson (Eagles)

defense

edge

Hutchinson is injured and season-ending, but he has earned his right to be on this team. He was a major disruptor before his injury ended his season after five games. He had 7 1/2 sacks in those five games and was on pace to be named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt continues to be a star pass rusher who can completely change a game. Sack, fumble, game over is his style.

Runners-up: Myles Garrett (Browns), Maxx Crosby (Raiders), Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)

Defensive tackle

Lawrence is a power player in the middle who can do doubles in the run game, but can also push the pocket and get sacks. Jones remains one of the league’s true game-wreckers, a player who can line up anywhere on the line.

Runners-up: Cameron Heyward (Steelers), Alim McNeill (Lions), Jalen Carter (Eagles)

Linebackers

Warner continues to be the best off-the-ball linebacker in the game. There’s nothing he can’t do. Wagner has seen a resurgence in the Commanders’ Defense and looks like the Wagner of his younger days.

Runners-up: Logan Wilson (Bengals), Zack Baun (Eagles), Leo Chenal (Chiefs)

Cornerback

A lot of expected corners, guys like Sauce Gardner of the Jets, didn’t play as well as expected. That allows a player like McCollum to get a spot with Surtain and Humphrey, two solid veterans who also end up on the team. McCollum has been one of the bigger surprises this season, but the Bucs were raving about him over the summer when I visited for camp.

Runners-up: DJ Reed (Jets), Trent McDuffie (Chiefs)

Security

McKinney has proven to be one of the best free agent signings as he is tied for the league lead with six interceptions. He was a steady force on the Packers’ back end. Branch has stayed safe and developed a feel for moving all over the field. He played nickel last season, but the move to safety was the right one and paid off.

Runners-up: Kerby Joseph (Lions), Brandon Jones (Broncos), Jessie Bates III (Falcons)

Kicker

He has only missed one shot this season, from over 60 yards. He made 23 of 24 of his field goals.

Runners-up: Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys), Austin Seibert (Commanders)

player

He leads in net average, is second in yards per punt and has 13 of his 27 punts inside the 20. The Lions don’t punt often, but he’s outstanding when they do.

Runners-up: AJ Cole (Raiders), Logan Cooke (Jaguars)

Kick returner

He does a good job as a punt returner, averaging 16.2 with one touchdown, and can also rip kickoffs if they don’t leave the end zone. He has two kickoff returns over 40 and a 34.1 average on his 13 returns.

Runners-up: Caliph Raymond (Lions), Parker Washington (Jaguars)

Special teams

Runners-up: Nick Bellore (Commanders), Brenden Schooler (Patriots)