10 Underappreicated NFL Players

Added on Aug 23, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Not all NFL players are built the same. Some are mega-rich superstars. Others are blue collar backups. Then there are those who get the job done week in and week out and still don’t seem to get much recognition. They fall into the category of underappreciated. Here are ten guys who fit the description.

10. Jason Avant – Eagles

Avant does all the dirty work in the Eagles passing attack as a number three slot receiver. He’s fearless, runs precise routes and possesses some of the best hands in the game. He’ll never receive the accolades of fellow wideouts DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, but Avant is a vital member of a potent offense.

9. Heath Miller – Steelers

Miller has started all but three games in his five-year career. Coming off a career best 76 catches in 2009, he is beginning to enter into the top echelon of tight ends. In addition to his smooth pass catching skills, Miller is also a willing and capable blocker. He replaces teammate Hines Ward as the Steelers most underappreciated player.

8. Brian Waters – Chiefs

Waters has been named to four Pro Bowls but most people outside of Kansas City probably have no idea who he is. A full-time starter since 2002, Waters has helped pave the way for multiple 1000-yard rushers as one the league’s best guards. The Chiefs will miss his services when he finally decides to hang up the cleats.

7. Kevin Faulk – Patriots

The one constant in the Patriots muddled backfield for the last twelve years has been Faulk. He’s the quintessential third-down utility back who can be relied on in critical situations. He runs, catches, blocks and returns kicks. A trusted playmaker, it’s no wonder Bill Belichick has kept him around for so long.

6. DJ Williams – Broncos

Williams thrived in defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s 3-4 scheme in 2009 after five seasons of relative obscurity. He’s a nice combination of size and speed and plays with a nasty streak. A first Pro Bowl could be in his future if he continues to perform at a high level.

5. Sheldon Brown – Browns

As far as technique cover corners go, Brown is among the very best in the NFL. In a position defined by interceptions and big splash plays, all Sheldon does is shut receivers down. He faded a bit last season with the Eagles, but still managed to post a career high five interceptions.

4. Dallas Clark – Colts

Clark finally earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2009 after snagging 100 receptions for 1,106 yards and ten touchdowns. Peyton Manning knows how valuable he is, but guys like Antonio Gates and Jason Witten still get more pub. Remove Clark from the Colts offense and it would lose a lot of its effectiveness.

3. London Fletcher – Redskins

Fletcher just gets better with age. The 35-year-old linebacker was named to his first Pro Bowl last season and has shown no signs of slowing down. He racked the most tackles from 2000-2009 with 1244. When it comes to defensive leaders, Fletcher is as good as it gets.

2. Darren Sharper – Saints

You would think a guy with 63 career interceptions, eleven career touchdowns and a Super Bowl ring would get more love. However, the Saints almost didn’t bring him back for 2010. Like Fletcher, Sharper continues to dominate despite his advanced age (34). If the Saints have any hopes of repeating as champions, #42 will be needed.

1. Derrick Mason – Ravens

Eight 1000-yard seasons. 863 receptions. 59 touchdowns. Mason began his career as a return specialist, but through hard work became one of the most consistent possession receivers in football. The Ravens added Anquan Boldin and Dante Stallworth in the offseason. Don’t let those big names fool you. When the offense needs a key first down, Mason’s number will be the one that’s called.