Matt Ryan heads up NFL All-Pro Team

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan beat out New England’s Tom Brady on the Associated Press 2016 NFL All-Pro Team announced Friday.

Ryan’s selection could be a possible indication for league MVP, which will be announced at the NFL honors show on Feb. 6.

Ryan earned his first All-Pro selection after throwing for a franchise-record 4,944 yards, completing 69.9 percent of his passes, with 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the 11-5 Falcons. He had a passer rating of 117.1 — a league and career high.

“There are so many things that don’t show up on the stat sheet,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Ryan. “How many people he’s affected on our team. He’s a fantastic teammate. That’s one of the highest praises you can give to a ballplayer.”

Brady, who was suspended for four games to start the season over Deflategate, received 15 votes to Ryan’s 29.

The 39-year-old Brady’s statistics in 12 games are impressive. The Patriots are 11-1 since Brady’s return as he completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,554 yards, 28 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Three rookies were among 17 first-time selections highlighting the All-Pro Team, including Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Kansas City speedster Tyreek Hill, who is a unanimous choice as a punt returner. Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin is the other rookie making the team.

For the first time, the nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the NFL voted for specific positions on the offensive line, a flex player on offense, a fifth defensive back, and a punt returner and special teamer.

The Cowboys, who paced the NFC with a 13-3 record, have the most players selected on first team with five. Linebacker Sean Lee, and offensive linemen Tyron Smith (left tackle), Travis Frederick (center) and Zack Martin (right guard) also represent the Cowboys on the team.

Elliott led the NFL in rushing with 1,631 yards, which ranks fifth among single-season totals in Cowboys history, and the most by a rookie.

“It’s special,” Elliott said. “Just to be able to come into this league my first year and dominate and just play at the level I’m playing, and just kind of get these honors already as a rookie, it means a lot. I was never even All-American in college. I was never a first-team All-American. I’ll never get a Buckeye tree at Ohio State. That’s the one thing that I regret the most. Kind of seeing it come into the league and making All-Pro this rookie year, it definitely means a lot.”

Other first-timers include Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (flex), Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (DB) and New England’s Matthew Slater (special teamer).

One other unanimous pick is Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.