NFL All-Pro Roster 2011: AP Releases League's Top Squad for 2011

The 2011 Associated Press All-Pro teams were announced on Friday, garnering buzz throughout the nation.

There were some of the usual names, but several players made their first All-Pro team, including Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson as a returner.

Some of the regulars included Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, Eagles offensive tackle Jason Peters, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, Packers cornerback Charles Woodson and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

Not a whole lot of surprises here.

I was happy to see Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew make the starting squad. He was outstanding this season despite being on a bad football team with a struggling rookie quarterback in Blaine Gabbert.

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs were both monsters.

The Ravens' Vonta Leach continues to be the best fullback in football.

And Gronkowski was simply phenomenal, becoming one of quarterback Tom Brady's favorite targets.

By the way, does 49ers kicker David Akers ever age? Or slow down?

Here are the 2011 first-team and second-team All-Pro rosters.

Offense

Quarterback — Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay

Running Backs — Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville; LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia

Fullback — Vonta Leach, Baltimore

Tight End — Rob Gronkowski, New England

Wide Receivers — Calvin Johnson, Detroit; Wes Welker, New England

Tackles — Jason Peters, Philadelphia; Joe Thomas, Cleveland

Guards — Carl Nicks, New Orleans; Jahri Evans, New Orleans

Center — Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh

Placekicker — David Akers, San Francisco

Kick Returner — Patrick Peterson, Arizona

Defense

Ends — Jared Allen, Minnesota; Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

Tackles — Haloti Ngata, Baltimore; Justin Smith, San Francisco

Outside Linebackers — Terrell Suggs, Baltimore; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas

Inside Linebacker — Patrick Willis, San Francisco; NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco; Derrick Johnson, Kansas City

Cornerbacks — Charles Woodson, Green Bay; Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

Safeties — Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh; Eric Weddle, San Diego

Punter — Andy Lee, San Francisco

Second Team Offense

Quarterback — Drew Brees, New Orleans

Running Backs — Ray Rice, Baltimore; Arian Foster, Houston

Fullback — John Kuhn, Green Bay

Tight End — Jimmy Graham, New Orleans

Wide Receivers — Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; Victor Cruz, New York Giants

Tackles — Duane Brown, Houston; Joe Staley, San Francisco

Guards — Marshal Yanda, Baltimore; Logan Mankins, New England

Center — Ryan Kalil, Carolina; Nick Mangold, New York Jets

Placekicker — Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland

Kick Returner — Devin Hester, Chicago

Second Team Defense

Ends — Justin Smith, San Francisco; Jason Babin, Philadelphia

Tackles — Geno Atkins, Cincinnati; Vince Wilfork, New England; Richard Seymour, Oakland

Outside Linebackers — Tamba Hali, Kansas City; Von Miller, Denver

Inside Linebackers — Brian Cushing, Houston; London Fletcher, Washington

Cornerbacks — Johnathan Joseph, Houston; Carlos Rogers, San Francisco

Safeties — Ed Reed, Baltimore; Earl Thomas, Seattle

Punter — Shane Lechler, Oakland