Defensive tackle Geno Atkins became the first Bengals player in six seasons to be named to the first team on The Associated Press NFL All-Pro team.

Atkins, who was named to the second team last year, received the most votes among defensive tackles with 42 and the third-most votes among all defensive players. Houston defensive end J.J. Watt was a unanimous selection, receiving all 50 votes and San Francisco linebacker Aldon Smith got 47.

Atkins led all interior linemen in sacks with 12.5 and is in the Pro Bowl for the second straight year. He was also named the Bengals Most Valuable Player by the team’s beat writers.

Joining Atkins on the first team at defensive tackle is New England’s Vince Wilfork. San Francisco’s Justin Smith and Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh were on the second team.

The last time the Bengals had anyone make the first team until Atkins was in 2006 when wide receiver Chad Johnson and right tackle Willie Anderson were named.

Wide receiver A.J. Green was a second-team selection with 16.5 votes. Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and Chicago’s Brandon Marshall were on  the first team. .