13 Years Later: Reflecting on the Minnesota Vikings’ Wise Decision to Select Safety Harrison Smith in the First Round
It’s hard to believe that 13 years have passed since the Minnesota Vikings made a pivotal move in the 2012 NFL Draft by trading back into the first round to select safety Harrison Smith. Looking back, it’s clear that this was one of the most strategic and successful decisions in the franchise’s history. What was initially a calculated risk has since proven to be a masterstroke, with Smith establishing himself as one of the premier safeties in the league and solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense for over a decade.
The Trade and the Decision
In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings were positioned to make some significant moves. Having already made their first selection at #3 overall by choosing USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil, the team still had additional needs to address. One of those critical areas was the safety position, where the Vikings had been searching for an elite player to fill a void in their secondary.
At the time, the Vikings’ defense was in a bit of a transition. They had a strong front seven but lacked stability and playmaking ability in the back end of the defense. Minnesota’s decision to trade back into the first round wasn’t a coincidence—it was a calculated effort to address this gap. The Vikings had their eyes set on a safety who could anchor the secondary for years to come.
As the first round unfolded, the Vikings saw their opportunity. They had initially been sitting at the 35th pick, but after some maneuvering, they made a trade with the Baltimore Ravens to move back into the first round, acquiring the 29th pick. With that pick, Minnesota chose Harrison Smith out of Notre Dame, a player who had made a name for himself as a versatile, intelligent, and physical safety.
A Perfect Fit for the Vikings’ Defense
Harrison Smith’s skill set immediately made him an ideal fit for the Vikings. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 213 pounds, Smith possessed the size and athleticism to be an impactful presence in both the passing game and as a tackler in the run game. His ability to cover tight ends, make plays in the box, and patrol the deep part of the field made him a rare commodity—a safety with the versatility to affect the game in multiple ways.
Coming out of Notre Dame, Smith had impressed scouts with his intelligence, football IQ, and leadership. He had been the heart and soul of the Fighting Irish defense, known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, anticipate plays, and react quickly to situations on the field. These qualities were exactly what the Vikings needed as they looked to build a defense that could contend with some of the most potent offenses in the league.
Smith’s leadership also played a crucial role. From the moment he entered the NFL, he quickly assumed a vocal role in the locker room, taking on the responsibilities of a team leader. This leadership, coupled with his on-field acumen, made him a key figure in the Vikings’ defense almost immediately.
Harrison Smith’s Career: A Legacy of Excellence
Fast forward 13 years, and it’s clear that the decision to trade back into the first round to select Harrison Smith has paid off in spades for the Vikings. Over the course of his career, Smith has been nothing short of spectacular. He has earned five Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and has been a constant force in the Vikings’ secondary, all while playing at a high level for over a decade.
Smith’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game has made him one of the most well-rounded safeties in the NFL. His knack for making key interceptions, forcing fumbles, and being a reliable tackler has allowed him to have a massive impact on games throughout his career. Even in his later years, Smith has continued to be a playmaker for the Vikings, contributing to the team’s success while still being one of the top players in his position.
Perhaps one of Smith’s most impressive feats is his ability to stay consistent over the years. In a league where the shelf life of players, particularly at safety, can be short, Smith has continued to play at a high level despite the physical demands of the position. His durability, intelligence, and skill set have allowed him to remain a centerpiece of the Vikings’ defense long after many of his peers have started to decline.
Impact on the Vikings’ Defense
Harrison Smith’s influence on the Minnesota Vikings’ defense cannot be overstated. Since his arrival, the Vikings have fielded one of the more consistently solid defenses in the NFL, and Smith’s leadership has been a major factor in that success. He has been the quarterback of the secondary, the player tasked with ensuring the defense stays organized and aligned, while also making the big plays when needed most.
Under Smith’s watch, the Vikings’ defense has ranked among the NFL’s best in multiple statistical categories, including interceptions, forced turnovers, and defensive touchdowns. Smith himself has consistently been among the league leaders in interceptions, and his ability to create turnovers has been a major asset for the Vikings’ defense. His playmaking ability in the clutch has often shifted the momentum of games, especially in critical situations.
Moreover, Smith’s versatility has allowed the Vikings to be adaptable in their defensive schemes. He’s been just as effective in a deep safety role as he has been when playing closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can be a disruptive force in the running game or in pass-rush situations. Smith’s ability to excel in various roles has been a huge benefit for the Vikings, as it allows them to tailor their defensive scheme based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
Harrison Smith: A Model of Consistency and Longevity
In a league where turnover is the norm, Harrison Smith’s longevity has been a testament to his work ethic and commitment to excellence. Since his rookie year in 2012, Smith has missed very few games, and his ability to stay healthy and continue performing at an elite level has been one of his most impressive qualities. His consistency on the field, year after year, has made him one of the most reliable safeties in the NFL, and it’s no surprise that the Vikings have continued to rely on him for over a decade.
The safety position in the NFL has evolved significantly over the past 13 years, with players becoming more athletic, faster, and better equipped to cover a wider range of responsibilities. Yet through it all, Harrison Smith has remained a constant, proving that his skills and instincts transcend trends in the game.
While other players may have come and gone, Smith has remained a fixture in the Vikings’ defense, a key figure who represents the team’s identity. His ability to adapt to changes in the game, all while maintaining his elite level of play, has cemented his legacy as one of the best safeties of his generation.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Harrison Smith and the Vikings
As Harrison Smith continues his career, it’s clear that the impact of the Vikings’ decision to trade back into the first round in 2012 is still being felt. With the Vikings currently in the middle of a competitive NFC North, Smith’s leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
At 34 years old, Smith is nearing the end of his playing career, but given his performance and leadership, it’s possible that the Vikings will look to keep him involved in the organization even after he decides to retire. Whether it’s through coaching, mentoring younger players, or serving as an ambassador for the team, Smith’s legacy in Minnesota is already firmly secured.
His selection in the 2012 NFL Draft remains one of the most successful draft-day decisions the Vikings have ever made, and it’s likely that Harrison Smith will be remembered as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. For fans of the team, it’s a decision that has paid dividends for over a decade—and one that will continue to be a source of pride for years to come.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to trade back into the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft to select Harrison Smith was, without a doubt, a wise one. What began as a strategic move to fill a critical need on defense has turned into one of the most successful draft choices in franchise history. Over 13 years, Smith has solidified himself as a key figure in the Vikings’ defense, earning five Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors, all while maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s premier safeties.
As Smith’s career nears its final stages, it’s clear that his legacy in Minnesota will be one of sustained excellence, leadership, and unmatched consistency. The Vikings’ decision to secure him was not only smart in the moment but continues to reverberate as a defining move in their franchise history.
