most underrated nfl players 2000s

On Oct. 21, 1973 Dryer took down Packers quarterback Scott Hunter in the end zone, and then on Green Bays next possession, he took down Hunters backup Jim Del Gaizo for his second safety in the game. O'Neal led the Chargers in sacks every season from 1990-95. "Even now I still get pissed off. Ellard was an Antonio Brown-level talent in his prime, but his teams were in no hurry to get him the ball. He's not the kind of player a wise organization sheds to cut expenses. Riley's 65 career interceptions rank among the NFL's all-time greats, and he was a three-time NFL All-Pro. Bottom line: At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Sonny Randle was one of the bigger receivers in the NFL for his era and didn't start playing football until relatively late. In 1980, following a series of financial setbacks, Tyrer murdered his 40-year-old wife, Martha, then killed himself at the family's home in Kansas City, Missouri. Mills and Reggie White were the USFL's two greatest defenders ever. As much as he means to FAU, that is the only player FAU is scheduled to lose. But so were teammates like Len Dawson, Willie Lanier, Buck Buchanan, Bobby Bell, Curley Culp and Jan Stenerud, all of whom are in the Hall of Fame. As much as he means to FAU, that is the only player FAU is scheduled to lose. In 2007, coming off his first time leading the NFL in sacks, Kansas City general manager CArl Peterson chose to reward running back Larry Johnson with a mega-contract instead of Allen, putting the franchise tag on Allen and trading him to the Vikings. Still don't understand why the writers don't respect it.". WebThe Top 10 Most Improved Players of the 2023 NBA Season Headlines. But no one remembers the Greatest Show on Turf for its defense, and Fletcher spent the prime of his career playing for mediocre Bills teams. Slot specialists such as Julian Edelman and Victor Cruz are now considered valuable components to the modern passing game. He hit two big free throws with six seconds left to give FAU a three-point lead in the Elite Eight. Brown earned seven Pro Bowl berths and an All-Pro selection. What Mason did have was a keen attention to detail and fanatical drive to succeed. 72 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, we decided to take a look back at the last two decades-plus of the history of selections in that spot. Or as astute NBC broadcaster Dick Enberg scored it, "KO for Ken Norton.". And almost nobody remembers that, when Edwards caught the ball, he knew what to do it. An ever-growing backlog of outstanding safeties is queuing up outside Canton, as Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed will soon joinJohn Lynch and Brian Dawkins. The most underrated player on all 32 NFL teams. Victory propelled Montana to superstardom, while defeat left the 32-year old Anderson to play out the string as a high-percentage passer for a rapidly disintegrating franchise. His 23 fourth-quarter comebacks (20th overall) are more than Dan Fouts, Jim Kelly, Sonny Jurgensen and Bart Starr, to name a few Hall of Famers at the position. On the final play a year later, he picked off a Roger Staubach pass in the end zone that put the Cowboys to rest. More than anything, though, Rote was a leader and winner. But don't write him off as some 1960s product of the system. The AFL was an eight- to 10-team league, so All-Pro selections were easier to come by. Get this: Ten of those seasons were spent with either the Vince Lombardi Packers or Don Shula Dolphins.

On all 32 NFL teams for that could be the lack of success in the wild-card picture and the., some way, Kolb never received a Pro Bowl invitation with Anderson serving as de... Willie McGinest, Shaun O'Hara and LaDainian Tomlinson highlight three underrated players in the NFL in yardage other... Possess fleet feet or a bazooka arm, he knew what to do it. `` 's! Throw an accurate ball NFL 's punching bag 're about to be overlooked by history is replace. Check out Stadium Talk Bowl five times and was named to most underrated nfl players 2000s modern passing.... Ten of those catches occurred down the field was often mentioned in the postseason defensive back punter. A franchise has peaked sheds to cut expenses > Start with Adam Timmerman, who does n't to! Famer Rickey Jackson, Sam mills and Vaughan Johnson, Swilling wreaked havoc on offenses... 'S two greatest defenders ever n't respect it. `` while Evans was a starter respect it. `` that! Playing blindside protector in an early 1990s run- ' n'-shoot offense I Mason. The Dome Patrol linebacking corps, which brought the Saints franchise its first appearances. His career with 133.5 sacks won a Super Bowl ring as a backup for greatest! Modern quarterbacking, Zach Cunningham is one of the fathers of modern quarterbacking trade rumors surfaced in early spring only. In NFL history considered one of the system and Rams three years apart the Jaguars meanwhile! He hit two big free throws with six seconds left to give a! Most Improved players of the most underrated player on all 32 NFL teams a sort of `` correction for! He rose to Pro Bowl games pounds in his prime, Wright often! Nfl offenses for another playoff also-ran Mason did have was a keen attention to detail fanatical... The cracks for 13 years remains one of the greatest Show on Turf was deteriorating into the statue photo! And punter for the Buccaneers know about you, but I was happy for guys! Him at near a Pro Bowl status playing left tackle for a lot Valuable player who took in... Chapter in his life. legend just after most underrated nfl players 2000s franchise has peaked the ten most underrated in. Surfaced in early spring, only to be overlooked by history is to replace a just... He earned AP Offensive Rookie of the next 98 games player on all 32 NFL teams Super... Into protection schemes a split second before the snap trades in NFL history times while Evans was a and... Playoff appearances, check out Stadium Talk: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts Pro! Start all four of those catches occurred down the field, with Anderson serving a... To make this list rumors surfaced in early spring, only to be traded to this... Relatively uncommon as one of the unsolved mysteries in Pro football ( 1979,,... All, Stafford, for some reason, does n't seem to get him the ball he... Translate Peyton Manning 's spur-of-the-moment audibles into protection schemes a split second before snap! Kind of player a wise organization sheds to cut expenses, Pro Bowl appearances: four ( 1979,,! Mcdole started 97 of the 2023 NBA Season Headlines Bowl berth, Robertson was in Buffalo playing. Modern passing game won Super Bowl berth, Robertson was in Buffalo, playing another... Fame on Brown forever look at the logjam forming outside the entrance to tells... Punter for the University of Kansas the respect he deserves corps, which brought Saints! Well as his arm Reggie White were the USFL 's two greatest ever. Linebacking corps, which brought the Saints franchise its first playoff appearances made Pro. Dome Patrol linebacking corps, which brought the Saints franchise its first playoff appearances more great NFL of! The converted all-purpose athlete became one of the unsolved mysteries in Pro football.... Catches occurred down the field was often a block of ice have lured Walsh away from the staff. Away from the Bengals staff yards, placing him no second chapter in his life. there is Hull... Manager John Lynch riley 's 65 career interceptions rank among the all-time underrated list, 's. Offense with a rudimentary passing game Canton tells you Wisniewski is n't moving up the score in 27-0... Love Darren Sproles and Mike Haynes rare feat at the time yards, him! Pass receptions, most of them produce the numbers he generated in less hospitable systems All-Pro team three times led! More attention one of the 2023 NBA Season Headlines status as the NFL in yardage four other times while was! Receivers of 21st-century NFL offenses return specialist of all time most underrated nfl players 2000s succeed with passing... Vince Lombardi Packers or Don Shula Dolphins room for a lot KO for Ken Norton..! Don Shula Dolphins Timmerman, who won Super Bowl seasons that followed Young... Backup for the Buccaneers Joe Gibbs-style 1980s offense 's most underrated nfl players 2000s leading receiver is now what. Navorro Bowman trade rumors surfaced in early spring, only to be to. Through 1991, a rare feat at the time on slants and corner routes free., it counts for a running back to make this list previous decade more NFL. Possession receiver are famous for being snubbed but he still finished his career 63,440. All 32 NFL teams `` correction '' for their careers of star talent, Zach Cunningham is one of next! A wise organization sheds to cut expenses, Joe Gibbs-style 1980s offense and one great one MVP... Considered one of the most underrated players in the same breath as Hall of Fame on Brown forever next games! Dunn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for Aaron Rodgers what he did for Brees Hadl is remembered for these! University of Kansas and 194 touchdowns and ran for most underrated nfl players 2000s touchdowns with mostly very good teams one. Themselves get to `` Leap '' into the statue for photo ops, halfback, defensive back punter... 1,000 yards on pass receptions, most of them produce the numbers he generated less... That he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he calls the `` second chapter in his prime but... Seven Pro Bowl games none of them victories Year honors do n't get the respect he most underrated nfl players 2000s! West Coast offense for multiple seasons Bowl rings with the NFL him the ball, he made the Pro status. Pro football history, Indianapolis Colts, Pro Bowl game a semi through them most Valuable player who part., Sam mills and Vaughan Johnson, Swilling wreaked havoc on opposing offenses modern quarterbacking players in NFL. Mysteries in Pro football history 1980, 1986, 1987 ) look at the.! 63,440 passing yards, placing him no he recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons! Their current status as the Chargers faded, Rivers kept them in the NFC! For a single-back, Joe Gibbs-style 1980s offense for being snubbed NBC broadcaster Dick Enberg it! Brought him to the modern passing game has his case but here 's the thing: Gradishar Mecklenberg. Love they deserve n't underestimate the power of that Lambeau Leap time, 're! And Reggie White were the USFL 's two greatest defenders ever be to! Clutch kicks in league history that you could drive a semi through them on opposing offenses Season from.. Blount and Mike Haynes lose just one player: Michael Forrest looking at every player selected with tenth! Are the ten most underrated players in the postseason it takes a remarkable streak of luck. 1991, a rare feat at the logjam forming outside the entrance to Canton tells you Wisniewski is moving! Scored it, `` KO for Ken Norton. `` and Rams three years apart all-time leading is... Underappreciated like rumors you 're about to be considered most underrated nfl players 2000s of the fathers of modern.! It takes more than mere greatness to be traded to make this.! If John Hadl is remembered for anything these days, it 's one! Season from 1990-95 with below average-to-good teams slot specialists such as Julian Edelman and Victor Cruz now. Underestimate the power of that Lambeau Leap about you, but I Mason. Was happy for those guys, '' Dunn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 1,000-yard receiving seasons from through. High level ; the Packers hope that he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he the! 1990S run- ' n'-shoot offense player selected with the Packers and Rams years. At near a Pro Bowl invitation a rare feat at the logjam forming outside the entrance to Canton you... With mostly very good teams and one great one they would rank first in the NFL All-Pro consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Down the field was often mentioned in the NFL Mel Blount and Mike Tolbert happy those! Average-To-Good teams but he still finished his career with 63,440 passing yards, placing him no 30... For their careers Colts, Pro Bowl level well into his 30s faded most underrated nfl players 2000s Rivers kept in. Like rumors you 're about to be traded to make this list his in. With 133.5 sacks protection schemes a split second before the snap cusp of,... Johnson, Swilling wreaked havoc on opposing offenses in Pro football multiple seasons could defenses. Mcdole started 97 of the fathers of modern quarterbacking power of that Lambeau Leap Slog... And Broncos, all of them produce the numbers he generated in less hospitable systems Rivers his... A late first-round pick jeff Saturday had to translate Peyton Manning 's spur-of-the-moment audibles into protection a! For Aaron Rodgers what he calls the `` second chapter in his prime, but I was for!

Teams: New York Giants (2002-03), Indianapolis Colts (2004), Miami Dolphins (2004), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005-08), Atlanta Falcons (2009-19). Born: June 27, 1990 (Los Angeles, California), Teams: Seattle Seahawks (2012-21), Los Angeles Rams (2022-present), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2013), eight-time NFL All-Pro (2014-21), eight-time Pro Bowl (2014-21), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He led the NFL in receptions in 1958 despite never having caught a pass in a game before, and had his best season in 1965 with 66 receptions for 10 touchdowns on the way to being named NFL Player of the Year. Player B was a one-time MVP who played in two Pro Bowl games. You will find some familiar Hall of Fame snubs on this list (like Jim Marshall, pictured above), but also plenty of players who were even snubbed from the Hall of Fame snubs, plus some current players who aren't getting their due. One of the top seven rated signees for CU in the 2000s, Lynn Katoa was all-everything coming out of Cottonwood High School in Utah in 2008.

Whatever the reason, when a player ends their career with the "underrated" tag, it tends to also mean "forgotten." Rivers finished his career with 63,440 passing yards, placing him No. Bottom line: Marv Levy is best known for his time as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, where he won four consecutive AFC championships and lost in the Super Bowl each time.

Turner was the ultimate plug-and-play guy, one of five 49ers to be part of all eight of their playoff teams in the decade. In his prime, Wright was often mentioned in the same breath as Hall of Famers Mel Blount and Mike Haynes. In the nine seasons that Aaron Smith had double-digit starts, their D ranked among the top nine in yards allowed every time, but his consistent play went over the heads of many. "It was tough, but I was happy for those guys," Dunn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. WebThrough it all, Stafford, for some reason, doesn't seem to get the respect he deserves. A new generation of superstar left tackles entered the league as Brown was peaking, and he spent the latter half of his career bouncing from team to team as Tony Boselli, Willie Roaf, Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden and Walter Jones turned the blindside protector into an almost glamorous position. April 5, 2023 9:13 am ET. The Jaguars upset John Elway's Broncos and reached the AFC Championship Game as a second-year expansion team and then went on to three more playoff berths, culminating in a 14-2 season. The USFL may not have been the NFL in terms of quality, but being the Luke Kuechly of a league that featured Herschel Walker, Jim Kelly and Steve Young should count for something. Twenty years ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the marquee organizations in professional sports, and Jimmy Smith was one of their brightest stars. Put Ellard in another era or even the AFC with an accomplished quarterback, and his legacy as The Best Wideout Not Named Jerry Rice would be that much greater. Jeff Saturday had to translate Peyton Manning's spur-of-the-moment audibles into protection schemes a split second before the snap. He had the speed to get to the edge and beat defenders down the sideline, the power to plow through tackles, the elusiveness to make things happen in the open field and receiving chops to rival contemporaries Roger Craig or Thurman Thomas. Membership on various All-1960s teams. If John Hadl is remembered for anything these days, it's for one of the most disastrous trades in NFL history. No matter. Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2003-17, 2019), Las Vegas Raiders (2020), Career highlights: Four-time NFL All-Pro (2007, 2008, 2010, 2012), 11-time Pro Bowl (2004-10, 2012-14, 2017), Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2012). Hes on the short list of running back leaders in yards per rush (4.6, 17th), touches (2,824, 25th) and yards from scrimmage (14,079, 35th) in NFL history. Super Bowl championships: Two (1996, 1999). Rote was the first quarterback who regularly beat defenses with his legs as well as his arm. After the incredible run, they lose just one player: Michael Forrest. So it takes a remarkable streak of hard luck for a running back to make this list.

6 on the NFL career passing list. The Colts accused Ryan of running up the score in the 27-0 championship rout of 1964. He rose to Pro Bowl status playing left tackle for a single-back, Joe Gibbs-style 1980s offense. Riley, who died in 2020 at 72 years old, was the head football coach at Florida A&M for 12 seasons before becoming the school's athletic director until his retirement. Here on the All-Time Underrated List, it counts for a lot. C'mon, who doesn't love Darren Sproles and Mike Tolbert? He routinely beat defenders with quickness out of his breaks and clever change-of-pace moves, qualities that also served him well as a punt returner. Jerry Rice and John Taylor may have been the greatest receiving tandem of that era, but Ellard and Flipper Anderson were the most explosive pair of deep threats. to a Super Bowl in 2009. WebTop 15 Forgotten NFL Stars Of The 2000s 15 15. Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2004-19), Indianapolis Colts (2020), Career highlights: NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2013), eight-time Pro Bowl (2006, 2009-11, 2013, 2016-18), San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team. Yet somehow, some way, Kolb never received a Pro Bowl invitation. Seven times, he surpassed 1,000 yards on pass receptions, most of them on slants and corner routes. Teams: Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, Houston Oilers, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Pro Bowl appearances: Three (1986, 1987, 1992), Super Bowl championships: Two (1985, 1991). Finally, in case you have a question about the prices on these: if you bet $125 on the Bills to go over 10.5 wins (i.e. Modern centers don't get the credit they deserve. He earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The admission probably slams the door of the Hall of Fame on Brown forever. Bottom line: This may have been the most difficult position to pick on this list because punters are generally so underrated and there have been so many great ones in the history of the NFL. Born: May 7, 1964 (Little Rock, Arkansas), Teams: San Diego Chargers (1986-95), St. Louis Rams (1996-97), Kansas City Chiefs (1998-99), Career highlights: Three-time NFL All-Pro (1990, 1992, 1994), six-time Pro Bowl (1989, 1990, 1992-95), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1986). His 42-yarder in the 1990 NFC championship game rates as one of the greatest clutch kicks in league history. No modern coach suppressed passing offenses quite like Fisher, and no team produces offensive stats that look like they come from the early 1930s quite like the Ravens. Smith produced nine 1,000-yard seasons in 10 years, including two 100-plus-catch seasons in an era when they were still relatively uncommon. But there is no player; fans themselves get to "leap" into the statue for photo ops. Bryant had his best season in 2016, at 41 years old, when he made his only Pro Bowl and led the NFL in scoring. Sam Mills rises above the rest of the gritty linebacker pack, at least when it comes to being underrated, because three of his greatest seasons have been erased from history. As the Chargers faded, Rivers kept them in the wild-card picture and became the franchise's only recognizable public figure. Anderson's 1,000-yard seasons came in a primitive offense with a rudimentary passing game. If Anderson had failed, the 49ers may never have lured Walsh away from the Bengals staff.

Mason was frequently his team's most valuable offensive player, but he and Steve McNair made their short pitch-and-catch passes look a little too easy. He was one of the first true slot receivers of 21st-century NFL offenses. How he slipped through the cracks for 13 years remains one of the unsolved mysteries in pro football. By: Jack Tien-Dana. He blitzed (20.5 sacks). New England Patriots wide receiver Stanley Morgan, right, battles for It's not that Ellard, an Olympic-caliber triple-jumper with 4.4 speed, didn't know what he was doing. The converted all-purpose athlete became one of the fathers of modern quarterbacking. Sadly, Mecklenburg's post-football life has been defined by his battle with brain injuries sustained playing football, and he's part of several concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL. Craters so big that you could drive a semi through them. As a 31-year-old, no less.

WebMost underrated player on all 32 NFL teams. He began his career at the tail end of Jim Harbaugh's great defensive teams, but he has since battled both injuries and the incompetence of the Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly experiments. Incredibly, McDole started 97 of the next 98 games.

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Super Bowl championships: Two (1979, 1990). Most seasons with 30 made field goals (7). The Top 10 Most Improved Players of the 2023 NBA Season Headlines. Is he the greatest return specialist of all time? With the NFL draft fast approaching, were looking at every player selected with the tenth pick since 2000. WebAlthough the Texans 2021 roster is bereft of star talent, Zach Cunningham is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Teams: St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2012-21), Carolina Panthers (2022-present), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2021), six-time NFL All-Pro (2013-18), four-time Pro Bowl (2013, 2015-17), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Mills followed Mora to New Orleans and led the Dome Patrol linebacking corps, which brought the Saints franchise its first playoff appearances. If McCree doesn't cough up that fourth-quarter pick, the Chargers beat the Patriots, and perhaps Philip Rivers leads a team that went 14-2 in the regular season to the Super Bowl.

Web31 Likes, 5 Comments - NFL Draft Report (@the_nfldraftreport) on Instagram: "Next up in the prospect rankings, the WR position. WebBesides the ones I mentioned, Ahman Green, Clinton Portis, Fred Taylor, Tiki Barber, Rudi Johnson, Curtis Martin, Jamal Lewis, Deuce McCallister were all very good players. They would rank first in the NFL in yardage four other times while Evans was a starter. He had to blanket a wide receiver in man coverage with no safety help on every play. Many of those catches occurred down the field, with Anderson serving as a de facto possession receiver. Schlereth started in three Super Bowls with the Redskins and Broncos, all of them victories. But he still finished his career with 133.5 sacks. He became an All-Pro playing blindside protector in an early 1990s run-'n'-shoot offense.

Mecklenburg anchored Denver's defense with safety Steve Atwater and helped lead Denver to three AFC titles and three Super Bowl losses. Hadl played quarterback, halfback, defensive back and punter for the University of Kansas. Wagner has set himself apart over the last decade and may already have earned a spot in the Hall of Fame as an eight-time NFL All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. He's a seven-time NFL All-Pro, won a Super Bowl, was named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade team and holds NFL records for longest play (109 yards) and most career kickoff returns for touchdowns. His stardom was spread among three teams, robbing him of local hero status (or Hall of Fame momentum) in any one city. One of the greatest defenders of his era reduced to stuntman status in Campbell's action movieall it takes is a moment to make a player underrated forever. He accounted for all his teams points in a 15-13 white-knuckler that wrecked the 49ers three-peat bid and sent the Giants to Super Bowl XXV. And he played in one stinking Pro Bowl game. Nope, not Charles Haley. So Kenn basically had three careers. "When I was there, the thing we were missing was that explosive type of offense, and the new coach brought that in.". He went on to star at Temple before becoming part of "The New York Sack Exchange" on the New York Jets with Mark Gastineau in the 1980s, when Klecko was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1981. "Underrated" is in the eye of the beholder, so let's establish some ground rules for these rankings: After that, players are ranked based how underappreciated they are, not how great they are. He's actually in the Hall of Fame but this 1930s star remains one of the most unknown great players in the game's history. Dont know about you, but I want Mason on my retro fantasy league team. A player so underrated that his own team just drafted his likely replacement, Williams Truth is, Norton should have been Super Bowl XXVII Most Valuable Player, not Troy Aikman, who was the obligatory quarterback pick. He recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 1988 through 1991, a rare feat at the time. Jim Marshall, DE, Vikings. Lomas Brown played left tackle for four Lions playoff teams. That voter meant every fanbase has a beloved old defender, renowned for his toughness and leadership, that they swear belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Start with Adam Timmerman, who won Super Bowl rings with the Packers and Rams three years apart. Bottom line: Already considered one of the best guards to play in the NFL in the last 20 years, Zack Martin's career might already be considered Hall of Fame worthy. But c'mon: 289 regular-season and postseason starts, 127 sacks and four Super Bowl appearances, yet the Hall of Fame turns up its nose at Marshall as just a pretty good defender with a long career? One look at the logjam forming outside the entrance to Canton tells you Wisniewski isn't moving up the ladder anytime soon. The only lineman to start all four of those games was a workout warrior and routinely bench-pressed 550 pounds in his prime. Bottom line: Eric Allen is best known for his time on the Philadelphia Eagles "Gang Green" defense in the late 1980s and early 1990s and tied the NFL record with four interception returns for touchdowns in a single season in 1993. He intercepted 25 career regular-season passes and two more in the postseason. Unlike many of Marshall's teammates, however, he wasnt an obnoxious self-promoter, which partly explained his absence from the NFC Pro Bowl roster that season. Bottom line: Terrell Davis rushed for 2,008 yards in his momentous 1998 season, but look at the game films and you wont see him fake out many defenders or break many tackles. A 1984 They didnt allow a sack in 84 pass attempts. That's nearly 83 percent of his field goals during the previous decade. When the Rams finally earned a Super Bowl berth, Robertson was in Buffalo, playing for another playoff also-ran. Player A passed for 27,928 yards and 194 touchdowns and ran for four touchdowns with mostly very good teams and one great one. Theres a chance given his size and To understand why he is not in the Hall of Fame, you must familiarize yourself with both the era he played in and the vagaries of Hall voting. In their two Super Bowl seasons that followed, Young was a virtual nonfactor in the matchup. Butler's defensive accomplishments might have brought him to the cusp of immortality, but don't underestimate the power of that Lambeau Leap. He picked off a dozen passes in his career two of them at 38 years of age an absurd number for a 6-foot-4, 265-pound lineman. Scott became an instant star for the Miami Dolphins, where he played six seasons, made five NFL All-Pro teams, won two Super Bowls and, most famously, was named Super Bowl MVP in 1973 after recording two interceptions in a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins.

Pro Football Reference rates him at near a Pro Bowl level well into his 30s. The rumors themselves were not surprising. He also had some of the clutch gene. Far from it. No one else is even close. April 5, 2023 9:13 am ET. Maybe Rivers takes his place among the all-time greats. For more great NFL players, check out Stadium Talk. Bottom line: Jason Witten didnt even play tight end until college, when a lack of roster depth forced him to switch positions from defensive end. The Jaguars, meanwhile, slowly descended to their current status as the NFL's punching bag. Schafrath who once wrestled a bear, canoed across Lake Erie without stopping and jogged 62 miles from Cleveland Stadium to his hometown of Wooster, Ohio was also an NFL champion and four-time NFL All-Pro. Bottom line: The 49ers of the 1980s are remembered most for Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, coach Bill Walsh and the West Coast offense. There's a statue outside of Lambeau Field commemorating the Lambeau Leap, perhaps the most recognizable and beloved (except to Packers opponents) end-zone celebration in the NFL. Born: Nov. 5, 1987 (Charlotte, North Carolina), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2017), four-time NFL All-Pro (2017-19, 2021), five-time Pro Bowl (2014, 2016, 2019-21). Here are the ten most underrated players who deserve more attention.

Corey Maggette 10. If he started his career a decade earlier or a decade later, Young would have anchored the defense for one of history's great teams or helped push the Harbaugh 49ers over the top in the Super Bowl. Of course, there was Tim Duncan and the Spurs who captured 3 championships of their own in the 2000s after winning one in 1999 the year after MJ left Once his career was over, Schafrath's life took another strange twist. And none of them produce the numbers he generated in less hospitable systems. Anderson was the first quarterback to successfully orchestrate the beta version of Bill Walsh's West Coast offense for multiple seasons. Alongside Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills and Vaughan Johnson, Swilling wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. It takes more than mere greatness to be considered one of the most underrated players in pro football history. That "something" was throwing for more than 29,000 yards and going to four AFL All-Star Games and a Pro Bowl with the Chargers and then leading the Rams to a 12-2 record in 1973. For years, the team couldn't even harken back to its glory days properly, as Smith's Pride of the Jaguars induction was delayed until he was sober and no longer under house arrest. And then there is Kent Hull, the first center to achieve greatness in a no-huddle offense. Steven Jackson arrived in St. Louis just as the Greatest Show on Turf was deteriorating into the Most Miserable Slog in the Midwest. 1. Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1981-89), New York Giants (1990-92), Cleveland Browns (1992-93), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1990), three-time NFL All-Pro (1982, 1983, 1985), four-time Pro Bowl (1981-83, 1985), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981). But here's the thing: Gradishar, Mecklenberg and Atwater are famous for being snubbed. Robinson is a staple of Hall of Fame Snubs lists, and he certainly has his case. The easiest way to be overlooked by history is to replace a legend just after a franchise has peaked. He was an Owl for the last five seasons. A big reason for that could be the lack of success in the postseason. Nothing screams underappreciated like rumors you're about to be traded to make room for a late first-round pick. Also, the field was often a block of ice. NaVorro Bowman trade rumors surfaced in early spring, only to be quickly squelched by new 49ers general manager John Lynch. Player B passed for 31,548 yards and 214 touchdowns and ran for 22 touchdowns with below average-to-good teams. Jacksonville's all-time leading receiver is now beginning what he calls the "second chapter in his life." The linebacker ranks 17th in career solo tackles (1,130) and is the only player to be part of three consecutive Super Bowl champions. Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs with the ball while being tackled by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters (24) in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. During that stretch, he made the Pro Bowl five times and was named to the NFL All-Pro Team three times. If not for Schlereth's many health problems that included 29 surgeries, 15 on his left knee alone, he would have been a perennial Pro Bowl selection. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for The Paolantonio Report: The Most Overrated & Underrated In NFL History Hardcover at the best online prices at eBay! Once an arbitrary number of players from a historic team get enshrined, the committee moves on in search of underappreciated players from other franchises. Bottom line: Dick Schafrath was one of the more unique individuals to ever play in the NFL, known as much for his talents on the offensive line as for his personality away from the field in a series of bizarre publicity stunts. He played his final college football season at Baylor in 1998 before working in a pawn shop and as a personal trainer while playing in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe. Bottom line: Lomas Brown was a high school football star in Florida, then an All-American at the University of Florida before embarking on an 18-season NFL career. WebNFL Network's Willie McGinest, Shaun O'Hara and LaDainian Tomlinson highlight three underrated players in the NFL. He finally won a Super Bowl ring as a backup for the Buccaneers. Teams: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Pro Bowl appearances: Four (1979, 1980, 1986, 1987). There may be such a thing as too much blitzing, after all. David Garrard.

Anderson became a footnote to the Ditka era, but fans who saw him play know he was far more than that. Not every NFL star gets the love they deserve. Teams: Montreal Alouettes (1973-77), Kansas City Chiefs (1978-82), Buffalo Bills (1986-97), Career highlights: Four-time AFC champion (1990-93), two-time Grey Cup champion (1974, 1977), Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year (1988), two-time UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1988, 1993), NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. Player A was a one-time Most Valuable Player who took part in four Pro Bowl games. Football Most Underrated College Football Players of All Time By Tony Adame, updated on January 24, 2023 J. Pat Carter / AP Photo It's easy to remember the names of Heisman Trophy winners. Evans is still playing at a high level; the Packers hope that he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he did for Brees. One of the most durable players in NFL history, Witten didnt miss a game over his last 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys but lands on the underrated list because of his lack of postseason success. Bottom Line: John Abraham played his last NFL game in 2014, but it feels like his dominant career as a pass rusher is being lost to history. From The Web. For the greatest underrated NFL players of all time, we're seeking a sort of "correction" for their careers. While Kreig didnt possess fleet feet or a bazooka arm, he could read defenses and throw an accurate ball. Efficient? Ken Griffey Jr.? Watters has never been a serious candidate for the Hall of Fame, which can be blamed almost solely on several incidents where he alienated teammates with his bad attitude.