Za’Darius Smith has played six games in a Minnesota Vikings uniform, but in that short amount of time, he’s made it clear he’s their best defensive player.

The Vikings had big aspirations when they went out and signed Smith to a three-year/$42 million deal this offseason. We knew how good he can be, but no one saw him playing like this. That’s not to say he isn’t good, but it was more so about the significant back injury that he dealt with last season.

Smith has had a successful career since entering the league in 2015. The 30-year has recorded 50.0 sacks and 242 tackles in eight seasons. This year he’s recorded 5.5 sacks (ninth most in the NFL) and 15 tackles.

Since day one, Smith has made an impact in this new 3-4 scheme. He has great speed and instincts that allow him to get to the quarterback with ease.

Smith made Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson’s lives hell. As Next Gen Stats points out, Smith recorded 11 pressures (not 10 like the tweet shows) and has the fourth-highest pressure rate this season at 17.3 percent. On Sunday, he recorded a game-high 2.5 sacks.

Even on plays where Smith appears to be out of the play, he always finds a way to track down the runner through pure hustle and determination.

According to PFF, Smith has a pass rush grade of 80.2 and a run defense grade of 74.2. His overall grade is 83.2, which ranks 16th amongst edge defenders.

Smith also ranks third in the NFL in pressures with 29. The only two players ahead of him are Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa. Pretty elite company.

Smith has been one of the better defensive players in the NFL and has been the Vikings’ best player on that side of the ball. You could make the case that he was the best offseason addition in the NFL.

Let us know in the comment section below what you’ve liked from Smith this season.