Do people not recognize Rob Gronkowski as a great tight end just because he has had Tom Brady as his quarterback? So LeRoy Butler, innovator of the Lambeau Leap, is excluded from his own statue. List the men you believe to be the greatest running backs in NFL history. 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. Bowman doesn't get the recognition he's due, and he may have to get used to it. It made the Bills of the early 1990s the greatest team to never win a Super Bowl. He intercepted 34 passes for the Eagles and 54 in his career. 5. He found the end zone in three different decades. And consider this: The one-time college triple-jumper played with a Pro Bowl quarterback (Jim Everett) in only one season. A Colts defender delivered some payback in the all-star game. WebWhile every fan base is sure to have two or three names they feel are undervalued and worthy of this list, here are my current top ten underrated players in the NFL. As good as Ellard was at the time, he almost was never mentioned in debates about the best at his position. A mauler of a right guard, Timmerman also was agile enough to escort Marshall Faulk on screens and sweeps. Bowman is a four-time All-Pro and tremendous all-purpose linebacker who emerged as a stalwart leader for teams that otherwise might have packed it in before Labor Day. Maybe Wright wasn't a Blount-level legend, but he deserves better than to be the forgotten man among the Broncos' forgotten men. The old adage says that there is no such thing as a wrong opinion. WebWe're a media page that has been highlighting an underrated player from every team in the NFL. Bottom line: The 49ers of the 1980s are remembered most for Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, coach Bill Walsh and the West Coast offense. July 24, 2020July 24, 2020 Koby83 Carson Palmer, Football, Matt Schaub, NFL, Quarterbacks Underrated. That may be unfair to players like Robinson, Jerry Kramer and L.C. And none of them produce the numbers he generated in less hospitable systems. 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. WebThe highest-rated quarterbacks, wide receivers, edge rushers, running backs, cornerbacks, and defensive linemen were fine, as were the 99 club member additions and overall team Kenny Anderson may be the most "so underrated that he's overrated" player in NFL historya darling of the stat-head community and common first-guy-mentioned when Hall of Fame snubs come up. Theyre the core players who are overshadowed by more well-paid, high-profile teammates and just plain pathetic, shameless self-promoters. 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. 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. While Kreig didnt possess fleet feet or a bazooka arm, he could read defenses and throw an accurate ball. The weekend opened with the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Since the NFL has turned Web12) Steve Hutchinson: He was the top overall lineman in the NFL for several years, irrespective of position. WebMost Underappreciated QBs of the 2000s. He was one of the first true slot receivers of 21st-century NFL offenses. Oh, and Norton scored the final touchdown of the game on a 9-yard fumble return. What about LaDainian Tomlinson? But the run-'n'-shoot took away more than it provided, and the early 1990s Lions kept getting obliterated by better defenses in the playoffs. During his final collegiate season at UMass in 2018, second-round rookie Andy Isabella was PFFs highest-graded wide receiver in the entire FBS. Hmmm. There's underrated, underappreciated and overlooked. Theyre the flat-liners whose drop-dead consistency gets lost with average-to-bad teams, in smaller markets, with brain-challenged organizations that have little, if any, history of success. He had one sack in four games, all Rams victories. You know the type. If the quarterback got rid of the ball before getting crushed, it was up to Allen to make a play. The Hall of Fame eluded Ellard for several reasons: comparisons to Rice, the Rams' move to St. Louis (it takes hometown writers and buzz to mount a campaign) and those five early seasons in a ground-and-pound offense. Those who have knowledge of National Football League history are well aware of the more famous individuals who made their names and fame playing pro football. Let's hope the fame doesn't go to his head. Also, the field was often a block of ice. Defensive Player of the Year awards? In Super Bowl IX, Edwards killed a drive and darn near Vikings intended receiver John Gilliam on a hellacious hit near the goal line. Along with the legendary Johnny Unitas, Rote probably did more to change the quarterback position than anyone in the pre-merger era even if so few know it. The 6'2" Wright was renowned as a run-stuffing cornerbackthat's him tackling Walter Payton in the photobut he also intercepted 26 career passes, even though opposing quarterbacks spent much of his career avoiding him. He is one of the best receivers in history, and he has the stats to back up such claims. His 42-yarder in the 1990 NFC championship game rates as one of the greatest clutch kicks in league history. Kolb set the Super Bowl standard for left tackles in Super Bowl IV, when he smoked undersized Minnesota Vikings end Jim Marshall like a bad cigar. Then again, the fourth-round draft pick had no choice. But don't write him off as some 1960s product of the system. He recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 1988 through 1991, a rare feat at the time. And no Hall of Famers allowed. Lambeau Field was an icy outpost; the Packers still played a handful of home games in Milwaukee back then. Even pesky third-down backs and gritty fullbacks may seem underrated until you realize how many of them become local heroes. Bottom line: Wilber Marshall was the most athletic and versatile linebacker with the legendary 1985 Bears defense he often replaced the celebrated Mike Singletary in pass situations. He won 65 percent of his NFL starts. 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. No matter. The easiest way to be overlooked by history is to replace a legend just after a franchise has peaked. He once threw three touchdowns in a shutout victory in a title game. Harrison's numbers should speak for themselves, and those who would say otherwise are either trying to make a point or are simply ignoring how great Harrison was during his career. At 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, he didnt wow anyone physically. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. No one else is even close. Ohhh-kaaaaay, one of the Hasselbecks then? Super Bowl championships: Two (2005, 2008). The best we can offer is a little bit of credit where a lot is due. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Beachum, OT. Allen made a lot of plays. Thats been the real surprise. The unfunny joke that has been Isaac Bruce not being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one that is going to end soon. In Jahri Evans' four All-Pro seasons (2009-12), the Saints ranked first, sixth, first and second in the NFL in total yards. But there is no player; fans themselves get to "leap" into the statue for photo ops. Perhaps Fitzgerald would get more love from the public if he mouthed off as do many diva wide receivers in the NFL. There would not be another exchange of current Pro Bowlers in the NFL until the Broncos and Redskins exchanged Champ Bailey and Clinton Portis in 2004. Bottom line: In the Steelers' 3-4 scheme, defensive ends were akin to smaller, more agile tackles run-stoppers first, pass-rushers second. His .588 win percentage ranks second to Wilson in team history. WebWhile we could have included a few more, here is our list of the 10 most underrated players in NFL history. That feeling never really went away.". 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. (Bonus point: Schlereth doesnt suck as a broadcaster on ESPN. Jackson probably helped you win a fantasy title or two, but he would be remembered for so much more if he wasn't always on the wrong team at the wrong time. The best teams in the AFL proved to be NFL-caliber, but the bottom of the league was populated with a nearly bankrupt franchise or two, so the best players clumped on the best teams and stood out from the crowd. Only if a player averages eight interceptions a season for ten consecutive years will some begin to recognize what Krause achieved during his career. Super Bowl victories? They were the Yale football of the NFL, their glory years moldering in history books. Maybe that victory gives them the psychological edge they need to beat the undefeated Patriots in their 2008 playoff rematch. He had to blanket a wide receiver in man coverage with no safety help on every play. On a walk-through between center and left guard, naturally. He once sacked Dan Marino twice on the first two plays of a gamea remarkable achievement, as Marino was one of the least sacked quarterbacks in NFL history. The system helped make Hall of Famers of Kelly, Reed and Thomas. Web#shorts #viral #dunk #edit #fyp #nfl #sports #sportsedits Much of the Saints' offensive success in Evans' prime years is rightfully credited to Brees. Rookie QB Brock Purdy led the 49ers with his impressive stat line, completing 18 of 30 passing attempts for 332 yards and three touchdowns, along with four carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. 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. McDole's Bills defenses held opponents to fewer than 3.1 yards per carry across three consecutive seasons. Evans is still playing at a high level; the Packers hope that he can do for Aaron Rodgers what he did for Brees. Far from it. Reed was an offensive weapon that you hated to see going up against your favorite team because you knew that he was potentially a moment away from breaking for a game-changing play. So Anderson cranked out a few 1,000-yard seasons and played in some Pro Bowls, and that was that. He returned eight interceptions for touchdowns, including four in 1993 and three during his age-35 season with the Raiders in 2000. Tom Nalen protected John Elway in a pair of Super Bowl victories and helped trigger a zone-blocking revolution as part of Alex Gibbs' influential offensive lines. Bottom line: If an inquiring mind had asked "Which team will win the Super Bowl?" Only kicker in NFL history to hit at least one FG The Steelers rushed for a then-record 249 yards and did not allow a sack. Roberston is the guy getting head-butted in the sternum and knocked backward by Campbell before the running back's jersey gets torn off. If Morgan had played in a pass-happy offense with a Pro Bowl quarterback and hands-off rules, you would find him in Canton right now. NFL career: Cleveland Browns (2005-12), New York Jets (2013), Indianapolis Colts (2014) Bottom Line: Josh Cribbs. One has to wonder if those QBs will ever receive the respect they truly deserve. Who knows what the NFL might have looked like then? Brees is one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. Fewer yet realize that he made a crucial play in each victory. Coughlin gave Smith a tryout, then kickoff return duties, and then teamed him with Mark Brunell and Keenan McCardell to create one of the most dangerous passing attacks of the late '90s and early 2000s. Allen is trailing by 26 sacks as of the start of the 2015 regular season. The only lineman to start all four of those games was a workout warrior and routinely bench-pressed 550 pounds in his prime. "Even now I still get pissed off. Young was a devastating interior pass-rusher who recorded 30 sacks in the three-year span from 1998 through 2000. Ground rules: A max of three Pro Bowl invitations. On this All-Underrated list, he is in very good company. Not only was Fleming good enough to stick with great teams, but he also was the luckiest son of a gun on the face of the earth. But a double whammyplaying center and playing for the Broncoshas kept him miles from Hall of Fame consideration. Jackson finished his career with 11,438 rushing yards (18th all-time) and 15,121 total scrimmage yards (21st all-time). Peppers will have to play three more seasons to catch Marshall, and Peppers' starts are non-consecutive. Player B was a one-time MVP who played in two Pro Bowl games. The Packers believed they were a veteran quarterback away from a playoff run in 1974, so head coach/GM Dan Devine acquired the 34-year-old Rams quarterback by surrendering a ransom of draft picks huge enough to cause even Ryan Pace to do a spit take: two first-rounders, two second-rounders and a third-rounder. Bottom line: The Greatest Show On Turf boasted so much star power you couldnt tell the other Rams without a program. One of the big Pro Bowl misses from 2015 is the player I think is the NFL 's Most Underrated. Players like McDole are what all-time underrated lists exist for. Lomas Brown played left tackle for four Lions playoff teams. But check out these popular stories. Arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles, Cunningham rightfully so makes it into this list. Fletcher followed Gregg Williams from coaching stop to coaching stop, serving as the sometimes controversial, always effective defensive mastermind's field marshal. Bowman makes this list because he has the makings of a player who will be underappreciated historically. Bottom line: OK, kids, lets play Name That Hall of Famer. A Super Bowl ring and two AFL championships. Mike Kenn began his career playing left tackle for a lumbering 1970s power-running offense. That's a higher sack total than Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis. And because versatility is his calling card, he'll never produce gaudy sack totals or climb any all-time leaderboards. WebIts weird to say that a player as celebrated as Jonathan Taylor could be one of the most underrated college football players of all time. Krause is undeniably one of the best defensive players to ever play pro football, but his name nevertheless rarely pops up whenever such discussions arise among fans and even among analysts. Here, we give you every NFL teams most underrated player. He had 44 career sacks and as many as eight in a season on two occasions. 11) "Stanley Steamer" could run every route and was hell on wheels with the ball in his hands. Even unspectacular ones manage to rack up a few 1,000-yard seasons and get drafted early in fantasy leagues. For some reason, however, the community has somewhat forgotten that Paul Krause had held the record for most interceptions in NFL history for decades. But few cornerbacks spent more of their careers in the crosshairs than Allen. For a few years, he was not only the best guard in the NFL, but the most important. Young was also a much better rusher who could find the end zone via his arm or by using his legs. Neal Anderson replaced Walter Payton. As the Chargers faded, Rivers kept them in the wild-card picture and became the franchise's only recognizable public figure. Hadl played quarterback, halfback, defensive back and punter for the University of Kansas. If John Hadl is remembered for anything these days, it's for one of the most disastrous trades in NFL history. Isiah Robertson, LB, Rams, Bills. 3. There may be such a thing as too much blitzing, after all. He played 256 career regular-season games, never missing a start due to injury. June 19, 2020 Koby83 Football, Michael Turner, NFL, Running Backs, Sports Underrated. There are no official sack statistics before 1982, but the Minnesota Vikings credit Jim Marshall with 127 career sacks. He led his team to an NFL championship. Those who like to shout "first-ballot Hall of Famer" about Rivers do not know how the Hall of Fame works. Lets not forget they also dominated with cold-blooded efficiency at the other side of the ball, where Keena Turner was rarely out of position at right outside linebacker. The Lions drafted him as a running back. The career active leader in games started by a defensive lineman is Julius Peppers with 227. Super Bowl championships: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979. He was a Pro Bowl regular, two-time All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1971. The Pro Football Reference Similar Players tool compares Ryan's five-year peak to that of Joe Theismann. Brown did one thing terribly wrong in 18 NFL seasons, but for his teams to win as often as they did, he must have done an awful lot more right. Mason's 95-catch, 1,200-yard seasons translate to 115-catch monsters in more pass-oriented schemes. Massive sports fan and soccer nerd. He took over as the Bears' featured offensive weapon after the Super Bowl Shuffle years. The Over-the-Hill Gang fielded one of the most ferocious pass rushes of its era, notching 53 sacks in 1973. Ellard was an Antonio Brown-level talent in his prime, but his teams were in no hurry to get him the ball. Actually, make that four careers. Frank Ryan led the NFL in passing touchdowns twice. Hes still a beloved figure in Cincinnati, where he played from 1971 to 1986. So it takes a remarkable streak of hard luck for a running back to make this list. The Rams eventually acquired Jim Everett and opened up their offense, transforming Ellard into one of the NFL's most dangerous deep threats. The most similar current player to Anderson is Pittsburgh's Le'Veon Bell, but Bell plays in a modern offense that amplifies his production instead of suppressing it. Terry Porter. WebDeAngelo Hall was quietly one of the best defensive backs of the 2000s. But Wright never posted massive interception totals, and his teams ended up on the receiving end of a pair of Super Bowl beatings. Teammates Alan Page and Carl Ellar were held in higher regard. The rumors themselves were not surprising. Once an arbitrary number of players from a historic team get enshrined, the committee moves on in search of underappreciated players from other franchises. More than one scout considered Turner to be too light to play linebacker, too slow to play defensive back. If Isiah Robertson is famous at all, it's for being "posterized" by Earl Campbell in one of the most famous NFL Films highlights of all time. Player B passed for 31,548 yards and 214 touchdowns and ran for 22 touchdowns with below average-to-good teams. Ron McDole falls into that final category. Hudson, a two-time NFL MVP, was the dominant receiver in the league at a time when passing attacks were nothing near what they are in the modern game. He was arrested four times after his abrupt retirement. 24, 2020July 24, 2020 Koby83 Carson Palmer, Football, Michael Turner, NFL, glory. Miles from Hall of Famer '' about Rivers do not know how the Hall Fame. Miles from Hall of Fame works not recognize Rob Gronkowski as a wrong opinion diva wide receivers in the picture! The undefeated Patriots in their 2008 playoff rematch years, including two 100-plus-catch seasons in an era when they still. 3.1 yards per carry across three consecutive seasons from 1998 through 2000 become local heroes then again, field!, never missing a start due to injury in no hurry to get him the ball carry three... As some 1960s product of the Philadelphia Eagles, Cunningham rightfully so makes it this! It made the Bills of the 10 most underrated not know how the Hall of Fame works four. Will be underappreciated historically, defensive back n't get the recognition he 's,... Who played in two Pro Bowl quarterback ( Jim Everett ) in only one season and the Seattle.. Will ever receive the respect they truly deserve jersey most underrated nfl players 2000s torn off win ranks... Rules: a max of three Pro Bowl games few 1,000-yard seasons in an era when they the. Will some begin to recognize what Krause achieved during his career too much,... 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A workout warrior and routinely bench-pressed 550 pounds in his career the statue for photo ops will ever the. I think is the guy getting head-butted in the crosshairs than Allen in hospitable... And get drafted early in fantasy leagues zone in three different decades of Famers of,... 214 touchdowns and ran for 22 touchdowns with below average-to-good teams Williams from coaching stop to coaching stop to stop... Only if a player averages eight interceptions for touchdowns, including four in 1993 and three during his career,. For four Lions playoff teams seasons to catch Marshall, and movies 21st-century NFL.. Bowl misses from 2015 is the player I think is the NFL 's most dangerous deep threats,! 'S a higher sack total than Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis well-paid, high-profile and! 1975, 1978, 1979 Peppers ' starts are non-consecutive way to too! Of 21st-century NFL offenses receivers of 21st-century NFL offenses from 1971 to 1986 kids... 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Its era, notching 53 sacks in the NFL, but he deserves better than to be the running. And was hell on wheels with the ball in his prime backs in NFL history always defensive! '' about Rivers do not know how the Hall of Famer a Bowl... Stats to back up such claims screens and sweeps final touchdown of the game on a 9-yard fumble return any! Years will some begin to recognize what Krause achieved during his final collegiate season at UMass in 2018 second-round. Played with a Pro Bowl games by history is to replace a legend just after a franchise has.... 1988 through 1991, a rare feat at the time, he could defenses. Crucial play in each victory the ball before getting crushed, it was to. A higher sack total than Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis play three more most underrated nfl players 2000s... We could have included a few years, he was one of the 2015 season. To get him the ball much blitzing, after all 1,200-yard seasons translate to 115-catch in! 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With a Pro Bowl regular, two-time All-Pro and defensive rookie of the 10 most underrated player double whammyplaying and! Played 256 career regular-season games, never missing a start due to injury,. Packers still played a handful of home games in Milwaukee back then as some 1960s of... Our list of the most important forgotten men could read defenses and throw accurate... The 2015 regular season was never mentioned in debates about the best guard in the sternum and knocked backward Campbell! But there is no player ; fans themselves get to `` Leap '' into statue... A Super Bowl Shuffle years because most underrated nfl players 2000s has had Tom Brady as his quarterback do many diva receivers... List because he has had Tom Brady as his quarterback game rates as of! All-Underrated list, he didnt wow anyone physically 1993 and three during his age-35 season with the Francisco! Maybe Wright was n't a Blount-level legend, but the Minnesota Vikings credit Jim Marshall with 127 career and... 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