The Most Underrated Player on Every NFL Team
By Hayden Shapiro
Every year we see unsung hero’s step up for their team. Whether that be in the playoffs or in the regular season, guys step up when they get their chance. Injuries can give a backup the opportunity to carve out a role in their offense and players have started to accept special team roles to prove they should be on the field. In this piece, we look at some of the most underrated players in the NFL.
AFC EAST
NYJ: Quincy Williams, LB
139 tackles including 19 for loss, Quincy Williams emerged as one of the league’s best defenders in 2023. He is an old-fashioned linebacker; I see a lot of John Beason in him. His insanely strong arms allow him to wrap up easily on outside runs, but that doesn’t take away from his ability to absolutely blow up runners.
MIA: Zach Sieler, DT
Sieler starred on a defense filled with pass-rush ability, garnering 10 sacks and even an INT (interception). His strong base allows for him to take on multiple blockers at once, ultimately paving the way for his edge rushers as he engages with 2+ lineman. Sieler is a difference maker for this Dolphins defense and needs to keep up his spectacular play due to Miami losing Christian Wilkins in free agency.
NE: Christian Barmore, DT
Now $92 million dollars richer, Barmore did more than earn his contract in 2023. He racked up 64 tackles as an interior lineman which is simply ridiculous, along with 8.5 sacks and 6 passes knocked down at the LOS (line of scrimmage). He is an absolute bull in a China shop as he makes a living splitting double teams and throwing opposing guards to the side. One thing I noticed on Barmore’s tape was that he always, always had a counter move ready. This means that if his first move at the line fails, he has another one ready to go; whether it’s a bull-rush or swim depends on the situation, but both are in his repertoire.
BUF: Khalil Shakir, WR
Khalil Shakir is a really intriguing player who was limited due to his spot on the depth chart, and after the departure of Buffalo’s number one and two wideouts, Shakir is going to shine in 2024. One thing in particular that I love about his game is his YAC (yards after catch) ability. He’s got a very, very low center of gravity that puts him closer to the ground, making it that much more difficult to tackle him. This along with his deceptive quickness make him a tough mark in the slot and occasionally on the outside. With more volume incoming, expect Shakir to be somewhat of a fantasy football steal this year.
AFC NORTH
PIT: Jaylen Warren, RB
Warren is truly one of the most well-rounded, technical backs in the league already. He’s very quick from side-to-side, but his muscle and vision are the keys to his game. Warren is spectacular in pass-protection and can do damage in the receiving game, too. Him and Najee Harris are one of the league’s top RB duos and the way that they play off of each other’s game is uber-impressive. There’s no coach that subs and switches his skill positions more than Mike Tomlin, so the Warren-Harris tandem just fits perfectly in Pittsburgh.
BAL: Isaiah Likely, TE
Likely filled in beautifully for an injured Mark Andrews, hauling in 5 touchdowns in 5 games to close out the regular season. He’s great down the seam and on the perimeter, but his blocking needs to improve in order to maintain his volume in this offense.
CIN: Dax Hill, S
At only 23 years of age, the ex-Wolverine is blossoming into a star right before our eyes. Safety is one of those positions that is always overlooked for some reason, but it’s also a very easy position to spot a star. This is because they are heavily involved in every defense and on the field the entire game. Hill ranked 13th among all safeties in tackles along with 11 passes defended, which also ranked in the top-20 for his position.
CLE: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB
JOK (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah) is one of the most athletic players in the NFL and he has burst onto the pro-scene just three years into his career. His 20 tackles for loss ranked 3rd in the entire league and his pass-coverage is really sound for a linebacker. He plays at 221 pounds, but it doesn’t limit his ability to make plays in the backfield and mark tight ends. JOK is even played in the slot at times. The ex-Fighting Irish standout is so versatile and uses what people thought were his weaknesses (pass-coverage, pass rush, weight) to his advantage.
AFC SOUTH
JAX: Tre Herndon, CB
One of the more under the radar guys on this list, Herndon makes a living on the perimeter defending wideouts. He is so physical and has very long arms that allow him to give some cushion before jumping a route.
IND: E.J. Speed, LB
Speed has mastered the “peanut punch”, recording 3 forced fumbles in 2023. He also was top-20 in tackles for loss amongst other linebackers. A Shaq Leonard release and Zaire Franklin’s devastating injury led to an increase in playing time for Speed; and he didn't disappoint. He was one of the more productive backers in the league and is an all-pro level special teamer.
HOU: Derek Stingley Jr, CB
No matter how much attention this guy gets, I’m still going to call him underrated. He racked up 13 passes defended in 2023 along with 5 INTs. He is so, so sticky in man and rarely gets flagged despite his aggressiveness. He is one of the most talented young corners in the league and plays like it. I don’t think Pat Surtain II is much ahead of Stingley Jr in CB rankings.
TEN: Harold Landry III, EDGE
Coming off of an ACL tear, Landry III had his best season as a pro tallying 10.5 sacks and 70 tackles. He excels at bouncing outside on zone runs, ultimately making a play in the backfield. He’s one of the most underrated defensive players in the entire league and it would feel like a crime to leave him off of this list.
AFC WEST
DEN: P.J. Locke, S
P.J. Locke is one of those guys that you may have never heard of, but when you watch him play it’s easy to see why his name is on this list. 53 tackles from the safety spot is an impressive feat on its own, but he also defended 5 passes and sacked the QB 3 times.
LAC: Tuli Tuipulotu, LB
The Chargers spent a second-round pick on Tuli, and boy did it pay off. He was extremely impactful whenever he was on the field, which wasn’t all that often. He’s going to see more volume this season as Joey Bosa’s injuries and age seem to have become a real problem.
LV: Nate Hobbs, CB
Hobbs has held down the fort in the slot beautifully for Las Vegas, tallying a career high 83 tackles and 7 passes defended in 2023. Hobbs has ideal size for an inside cornerback along with fantastic instincts which allow him to break on runs.
KC: Charles Omenihu, DE
I feel like the Chiefs always have a pass rusher with great stats but no recognition. Omenihu was a huge impact player for Kansas City this season, sacking the quarterback 7 times and forcing 2 fumbles.
NFC EAST
PHI: Bryce Huff, EDGE
Bryce Huff is a pure pass rusher with quick hands, a speedy swim move, and incredible bendy-ness. He constantly is chasing after QBs when they exit the pocket. Huff doesn’t have ideal size but his unbelievably high motor made him a force in New York. With Philadelphia, Huff will be featured more and certainly get the chance to better his run-stuffing skills.
NYG: Jalin Hyatt, WR
Jalin Hyatt a quietly good rookie season when his low volume is taken into consideration. He didn’t see the field much, but when he did, he was reliable down the field which is exactly what the Giants drafted him for. His routes are so fluid, and Hyatt is very athletic, two things I think will ultimately lead to him being a very solid number 2 option behind Malik Nabers.
DAL: Markquese Bell, S
Bell lines up all over the field. He can be spotted in the box, in the slot, and even as a deep safety. His versatility and athleticism are spectacular.
WSH: Frankie Luvu, LB
Frankie Luvu, in my opinion, has been an All-Pro caliber player for the last two seasons. His break and nose for the ball is absurd. Luvu is a reckless defender who can rush the QB and shoot gaps. He was arguably the Panthers’ best defender last year and he’s going to have an immediate impact in Washington.
NFC NORTH
GB: Jayden Reed, WR
Jayden Reed is an unbelievable route runner in the slot. He creates so much space on short routes, making defenders play him closer, but when they do that it leaves Reed open over the top. The ex-Spartan is very smart as well, leading to a lot of chances, open ones, in the red zone.
CHI: Khalil Herbert, RB
Herbert is a pure vertical runner with fluid hips and a great burst up the middle. The signing of D’Andre Swift certainly doesn’t help his situation, but I think the talent is there and he has enough juice to make himself a part of this high-powered offense. Caleb Williams isn’t the biggest guy in the world so you must protect him; Herbert is phenomenal in pass-protection. This just adds another reason why he may carve out a role in the Windy City.
DET: Kerby Joseph, S
Joseph, a third-round pick in 2022, has been spectacular for Detroit ever since his rookie year. In 2023, he was ranked top 50 in the league in interceptions, tackles, and PBU’s. As a safety, the Illinois product is a true center fielder. He lurks and can read QBs’ eyes from way down the field, but in the slot is where I think he really excels. He has great ball skills and is a more than willing tackler; something that gave him a starting position in the first place. Joseph also just plays with swagger, he’s a joy to watch. A lanky frame and a vicious mentality make Joseph someone to really keep an eye on next year as the sky is truly his limit.
MIN: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE
12.5 sacks, which ranked 10th in the NFL, landed Greenard a four-year, $76 million dollar deal with the Vikings. A guy who I constantly compared 2024 first round pick Chop Robinson to, Greenard just has that burst off the line, that when you see it, you know you’re looking at a star. He is very twitchy off the edge and has the athleticism to speed past tackles, as well as the strength to bully his way into the backfield. This is one of my favorite “under-the-radar” signings of FA, as Brian Flores (MIN DC) loves to send pressure, but never gets home. Adding Greenard to a blitz-heavy defense is simply poetic.
NFC SOUTH
CAR: Sam Franklin Jr, S
Not only is Sam Franklin Jr one of the funniest personalities in the league, but he may just be the best special teamer across the NFL. He is so, so good down the sideline on punts; where he uses his speed and high motor to down boots and tackle returners as soon as they receive the ball. It’s impressive that a young player like Franklin Jr has accepted a special teamer role, and even though he isn't on the field much, his presence is immediately felt. He plays with an attitude and a glaring nastiness that his teammates love, I love, and returners hate. I know it’s early, but this Panther reminds me a lot of Matthew Slater. He doesn't complain about playing on defense, he does his job, and is a leader.
NO: Carl Granderson, DE
78 tackles, including 13 for loss, earned Carl Granderson a much-deserved contract extension in New Orleans. Granderson is so big, that when he lines up against tackles it makes you question who is blocking who. A truly unstoppable force at the line, Granderson excels at setting the edge on outside runs. His long arms allow him to make plays while still engaged with a blocker, or two.
ATL: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE
Injury woes and depth chart positioning had Ebiketie on the sidelines for some of 2023, but this guy has all the tools to succeed in the NFL. He’s got really long arms, a bendy frame, and some deceptively quick feet that make him a really intriguing player. If he gets the opportunity, I’m sure we’ll hear his name again; maybe even on a most-improved list.
TB: Cade Otton, TE
Otton is a good red zone threat who does a lot of damage over the middle. He is not a good blocker, but his strong hands and crisp routes at his size are not easy to come by. Otton high points the ball as well as any TE in the league, and as much of a blanket statement that that may be, it’s true. Every single one of his catches is either touchdown or a first down, so it’s clear Baker trusts him. He could be a name to watch in fantasy this year.
NFC WEST
SEA: Abe Lucas, OT
Abe Lucas is one of those guys where if you don’t hear his name called, it means he’s doing his job. He is ultra-physical in the run game, allowing for backs to follow him outside. Lucas is also a very effective pass blocker. He uses his long, strong arms to fend off opposing rushers.
SF: Ji’Ayir Brown, S
Brown did a fantastic job filling in for all-pro safety Talanoa Hufanga. Brown is very aggressive but manages to do so in a disciplined manner. His play may have carved out a nickel or box-safety type role for him in the future.
LAR: Kobie Turner, DT
Saying Kobie Turner is the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft would be a major understatement. The Rams’ front seven surprised everyone last season. Raheem Morris is the master of developing young talent, and he proved that with Turner last year. Turner started every game for Los Angeles racking up 9 sacks and 57 tackles. With Aaron Donald’s retirement, expect a lot of attention on number 91 in blue.
ARI: Zay Jones, WR
Zay Jones continues to bounce around the league, but he brings some really impressive tools to the table. He can step in whenever and wherever on offense. Jones is a master at high pointing the ball, as he does most of his damage down the field or in the red zone. This is a great signing for Arizona.
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