:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4920993/134857952.jpg)
The Associated Press has announced its official 2011 NFL All-Pro team. The Patriots, following a 13-3 season that landed them the #1 seed in the AFC, landed just two players on the All-Pro roster: wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Welker, 30, led the NFL in receptions with 122. He was also second in yards with 1,569, and also added nine touchdown receptions. Welker received 23 votes. The 50 total voters were allowed to select two different "starting" receivers. Calvin Johnson led all receivers with 49 votes.
Rob Gronkowski, in his second NFL season, broke multiple receiving records for tight ends including yards (1,327) and touchdowns (17). He became the favorite target of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and looked like a guarantee for the All-Pro roster. Gronkowski received 44.5 of a possible 50 votes. Jimmy Graham received the other 5.5, meaning no votes for Aaron Hernandez.
At guard, Logan Mankins was fourth in votes (10) and Brian Waters was fifth (5). Mankins gets the second team All-Pro honors, while Waters is left off both rosters. Disappointing for Waters, who certainly had the superior season.
The only other Patriot to receive votes was defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who received five. That tied him for fourth among defensive tackles with Richard Seymour of the Raiders, meaning that he is also second team All-Pro.
No other Patriot received any votes. That's a disappointment for quarterback Tom Brady. Aaron Rodgers received 47.5 votes, with Drew Brees getting the other 2.5. I find it hard to believe that Brady couldn't even get a split vote. Any other year, and he's a near unanimous All-Pro selection.