Underrated NFL Players
There are many underrated NFL players. These are players who often don't get the recognition they deserve. Some of them may be overshadowed by more popular players on their team, while others may simply not be well known outside of their own fanbase. Here are just a few examples:
Telvin Smith, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Smith is a Pro Bowl-level linebacker who often goes unnoticed on a Jaguars team that features two of the best defensive players in the league, Calais Campbell and Jalen Ramsey. He finished last season with 102 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Smith is an elite linebacker and should be recognized as such.
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Tennessee Titans
Vaccaro was a first-round pick in 2013 and has been a solid player for the Titans ever since. He had his best season yet in 2018, finishing with 68 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 6 passes defended. Vaccaro is a versatile player who can play safety or linebacker, and he’s one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
Trey Burton, TE, Chicago Bears
Burton had a breakout year in 2017, catching 54 passes for 569 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was a major part of the Bears' offense last season and should continue to be a key player in Matt Nagy's system in 2018. Burton is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he can beat them both in the passing and running games. He's one of the most underrated players in the NFL and should be a Pro Bowler this season.
Derek Barnett, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Barnett was the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and had a very productive rookie season, recording 5 sacks and 21 tackles. He has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the league and should continue to improve in his second season.
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
Carr had a down year in 2017, but he's still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He has a strong arm and is an accurate passer. He also has good mobility and can make plays with his feet. The Raiders offense is built around him and he'll be looking to rebound in 2018.
Khalil Mack, DE, Oakland Raiders
Mack is one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. He's a powerful pass rusher and a stout run defender. He's also very versatile and can play any position on the defensive line. The Raiders defense is built around him and he's one of the most important players on the team.
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He's a big target with good speed and agility. He's also a good route runner and has a knack for finding open holes in the defense. The Chiefs offense is built around him and he's a key part of their passing game.
Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Berry is one of the best safeties in the NFL. He's a hard hitter with good coverage skills. He's also very versatile and can play either safety position. The Chiefs defense is built around him and he's the centerpiece of their secondary.
How many d2 players are in the nfl
The NFL is full of talented athletes, many of whom have played their football at the Division II level. But just how many of those players in the NFL actually played D2 ball?
A recent study by the Wall Street Journal attempted to answer that question. And the answer may surprise you. According to the study, a full one-third of the NFL’s players played their college football at a Division II school. That’s a pretty impressive percentage, and it goes to show that if you have the talent, you can make it to the NFL no matter where you play your football.