Forget Prisco... My Overrated/Underrated List.

I'm making this list because I personally feel that Prisco's list wasn't accurate. Not that he doesn't do research or that he's not a great journalist, it's just that when you call a player
that gets single-teams because they have a top 5 player at their position next to them as underrated because they have high tackle totals, it just doesn't sit right with me, considering that's not their job.

Arizona Cardinals:
Overrated: Anquan Boldin. I don't think Boldin's overrated in the sense that he's not a good player. In fact, Boldin is a heck of a Wide Receiver. However, Boldin sits on a team where the Number One WR isn't clearly defined, though Boldin is only 2nd to Holt in Targets per year. He splits just about equal time with Larry Fitz against both No. 1 and No. 2 CornerBacks. However, with that said, Fitz still outplays him even when you take Boldin's after catch ability into consideration.(While Boldin is easily one of the 3 best wideouts after the catch, he still manages to take only 42% of passes intended for him for a first down) Fitzgerald is the better redzone threat, has immensely better hands that are amongst the top of the league, and spreads the field, which helps Boldin's possesion play. With all this being considered, people still say that they'd take Boldin or rank him in their top 10. Boldin may be the better football player, but he's not the better Receiver.

Underrated: Karlos Dansby. Pete Prisco says that Gerald Hayes is the Cardinals' most underrated player. It may seem that way on paper, but that's because Dansby covers for him. Dansby has played at an excellent level for two years, and Dansby has been consistent. Dansby's numbers don't reflect it, however, he's one of the better LineBackers in the NFL in pass coverage when running with a Tight End or Slot Receiver. Additionally, Dansby is an excellent blitzer that can get to the QuarterBack. Six of his sacks came straight up the guy, while his two that did come on the outside came when the Cardinals weren't blitzing, but he stopped a developing play. However, what may be most impressive about Dansby is that Dasby manages to take over the play of his other teamates. Dansby is vastly effective up the middle, stuffing runs that the Middle LineBacker should be making. It is scary to think what Dasnby will do as a 3-4 Outside LineBacker next season.

Atlanta Falcons:
Overrated: DeAngelo Hall. Over the last three years I have said that DeAngelo Hall is the most overrated CornerBack in the NFL. Because Deion Sanders liked his attributes, Sanders annointed him his successor and the media went with it like wildfire. Hall has never posted amazing metrics until this season, and even still, he only posted once. But what makes me most frusterated and makes me place him here, is because of his mouth. When you run your mouth the same way that he does, you should produce. Before this season, many general fans thought he was a top 5 corner. However, luckily, his fanbase has dropped off. However, Hall was 83 yards short of giving up 1,000 yard on the season to opposing Wide Receivers, and while not horrible, he gave up 6 touchdowns through the air. Again, that's not bad, but it's not elite. Hall, however, did have one good and very impressive metric. He ranked 2nd in the NFL behind Chris McAlister with a 48.7% completion rate against him.

Underrated: Jerious Norwood. Last year's HalfBack class was one of the better ones in terms of immediate impact made by them. However, you hear people talk about Joseph Addai, Lawrence Maroney, Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie Bush. However, while they all made immediate impacts, Jerious Norwood has just as big an impact as all of them. On the team that has run the second most amount of times since 2000, Norwood found himself being an immediate contributor. Norwood was called on to replace stalwort TJ Duckett, and did so with gusto. Norwood showed immense power, and when teams brought more men in the box, he simply overpowered or outran them and ran for more yards. However, what was most impressive about his 2006 season was that of his 99 runs, only 8 of them were stuffed for only 22 yards, and twenty of them went for more than 20 yards. Despite all of this, nobody was talking about him. I honestly expect a huge season out of him. Can you say fantasy sleeer?


Baltimore Ravens:
Overrated: Willis McGahee. 3.8. Do you know what that number represents? The answer is Willis McGahee's career Yards Per Carry Average. Yes, it's a wonder that McGahee is even playing in the NFL. And we all know that McGahee didn't have the best offensive line, but he didn't have the worst one either. However, despite all of this, individuals have used the aforementioned things as an excuse as to why he's never eclipsed the 1,300 yard mark, and only eclipsed 4 Yards Per Carry once. I'm sorry, that's not an excuse when these same people continue to place him as a top 10 Fantasy HalfBack, and even worse when they rank him a top 10 HalfBack in real life. Against top defenses last season Mr. McGahee completely dissapeared, and only had one performance that wasn't embarrassingly average. Unfortunately for Willis, being a member of the world's greatest fraternity isn't going to help him with the fact that he's an average HalfBack.

Underrated: Mark Clayton. Mark Clayton is the real underrated player on the Baltimore Ravens. When the Raven's passing game started to falter and Derrick Mason's production started to become average, Clayton, as only a second year player, began to step his play up. Clayton, despite only starting 12 games came dangerously close to eclipsing 1,000 yards in only his second NFL season. He's becoming a standout player. Like it or not, as good as the Baltimore Ravens defense is, without an offense they wouldn't have gone as far as they did, and Clayton stepped his game up and carried the offense later in the season. What's most impressive about Clayton's performance is that he was only targeted 113 times last season, caught 59% of those for receptions and had a mere 4 drops. All of Clayton's metrics numbers, except for targets and amount of balls taken for first downs are the same type that elite Wide Receivers put up. Mark my words. Clayton will be elite within the next 2 or 3 years.

Buffalo Bills:
Overrated: Derrick Dockery. Have you seen the pricetag that the Bills have placed on this guy in this offseason? I mean, yes, Dock is consistent, but he is far and away from one of the league's top Guards. You probably know who he is, but the odds are it isn't because of his on the field play. That's why he's overrated. On a team filled with players that are more underrated than over, he's the one that hasn't earned his paycheck. In Washington Dockery was an average Guard that was lucky enough to play next to one of the league better combo Left Tackles in Chris Samuels. While in Washington Dockery averaged 9 penalties per season, and in the passing game, which is very important to the success of Buffalo in the near future, Dockery gives up 3.5 sacks a season. His improvement of Clinton Portis and LaDell Betts' run numbers wasn't noticably different either. When you watch him play, you don't see him bowl guys over like a Hutch, Faneca or an Andrews. However, he's being paid like them. So the guestion is left to be begged, is he really worth 18 million garunteed?

Underrated: Jason Peters. Aaron Schobel is still underrated even though he reached the Pro Bowl, however, Peters is incredibly underrated. NFL Analysts say that Jason Peters hasn't actualized his potential. If he hasn't then that's scary. Peters, alongside Lee Evens, are the reason why J.P. Losman's play suddenly went from that of someone who should be sitting on the bench, to being able to throw his hat into the name with the rest of the QBs taken in his draft class. Protecting the blind spot of the young franchise QuarterBack is very important, and Peters did it very well. He only allowed 2 sacks last season. At the Left Tackle position thats close to perfect. Additionally, he had 0 holding penalties, and it's represented in his play on the field. He's never taken completely out of his game, and doesn't give up on plays. While everyone is toting the Jon Ogdens and Walter Jones' of the world, it's guys like Peters that should be receiving that praise.

Carolina Panthers:
Overrated: Dan Morgan. There really isn't an overrated player on this list. I mean you could call Smith overrated in that people overestimate his route running or call him the league's best. But he's still a top 5 Wide Receiver. Dan Morgan, however, was heralded as a top 10 LineBacker from the years 2001 to 2005. However, in between that timeline, Morgan has had one season worthy of actually being considered good, and that was in 2004. Morgan may have had the tools in college, but even when healthy, Morgan could be, at beast, an average LineBacker. He doens't make a huge impact against the run and isn't a great coverage guy. Morgan, as the Middle LineBacker, is supposed to be the leader of the defense, however, has been constantly outshined by the rest of his defense. He has immensely talented defensive linemen in front of him, good corners, and the immensely underrated Minter behind him. However, even on all top of this, Morgan can't even stay healthy for more than a few games.

Underrated: Mike Minter. Mike Minter is very underrated. Minter has been playing with the Carolina Panthers franchise since 1997, and with that comes the role of the longest tenured Panther. Additionally, while he doesn't play on the level of a Brian Dawkins or an Ed Reed, he has a least been consistant, which is something that most role players in today's league aren't. However "role player" may not even be the correct terminology for Minter. Mike Minter may actually be the best non-elite Safety in the NFL. Unfortunately for him though, people continue to rate average players like Bob Sanders or Mike Brown over him. Minter is a Free Safety with good coverage skills that can break a play up, but he can also blitz off the edge and get to the QuarterBack when asked to. Minter has only missed 12 games in his career, 10 of which came in one season and is a stalwort for the Panthers defense. While he isn't always playing at a great level, and will allow some plays, he's better and more consistant than anyone the Panthers have on defense not named Julius Peppers.

Chicago Bears:
Overrated: Brian Urlacher. First, I am in no way saying that Brian Urlacher isn't a Good LineBacker. In fact, he's a top 5 Middle LineBacker. However, I just don't think that he's worthy of being deamed the league's best LineBacker unless you reside in Chicago. Urlacher's a LineBacker that can stop the run and can cover too, but his abilities are drastically overrated. Urlacher's good, but he hasn't led in any statistical catergories for Middle LineBackers over the past five years except for sacks. But what makes me put him up here is that people give him credit the play of individuals like Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, and Nathan Vasher. While I don't think it's rash to give him credit for making guys like Hillenmeyer look better, the fact is Lance Briggs is in coverage drastically more than Urlacher and still posts better metrics. Additionally, while being in less run support, Briggs posts virtually the same run defense metrics as well. Added to this is that the majority of Bears players around him are talented, and unfortunately for them, Urlacher gets credit for their play, even when he's in no way involved in what they do a considerable portion of the time.

Underrated: Charles Tillman. One of those players that some individuals have given Urlacher credit for their play, Charles Tillman is one of the better physical CornerBacks in the NFL. However, if you ask somebody who the Bears best CornerBack is, most individuals will tell you that Nathan Vasher is. That's just not true. Tillman logged 30% more times against the Number 1 Wide Receiver, 5% more times against Number 2 Wide Receivers, and the same amount of times against the "other" receiver according to Pro Football Outsider's numbers. However, despite this, Tillman had the better season, for the second year in a row. Tillman was targeted 117 times, and only allowed 62 of them to go for completions. Additionally, he allowed 731 yards and 3 touchdowns. This means he was thrown at 18 more times than Vasher, yet allowed only 4 more completions. He also only gave up 99 more yards, despite facing better WR talent than Vasher, and gave up the same amount of touchdowns. So who's the Bears' best Corner?

Cincinnati Bengals:
Overrated: Rudi Johnson. Once again, I'm not saying that Rudi Johnson isn't a good HalfBack. In fact, he's a top 10 HalfBack. I cannot deny three seasons over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, over the past two seasons Rudi Johnson, a powerback, has had to resort to more finesse means to gain his yardage. When I say "finesse means" I do not mean that he's making people avoid him, but that the Bengals are using methods other than raw power to get him yards. In 2005 Johnson was picking yardage as the means of the Bengals' Hurry Up Offense. As teams were lining up to try and get to Palmer or make sure Johnson and Houshmandzadeh didn't burn them in the confusion that the routein Hurry Up brought, Palmer would check down a lot as the receivers went on fly routes, allowing Rudi to experience less pressure and less men in the box. This continued this season too, however, in a different way, in that Johnson had his best runs, and the 2nd largest amount of his yards with the Bengals incredible trio spreading the field forcing defenses to bring in CornerBacks to replace LineBackers on Defense.

Underrated: Chris Henry. All jail jokes aside, and all off the field issues aside, on the field Chris Henry is drastically underrated. While many people just know of him because of his off-the-field issues, Henry is the leagues best Slot Receiver. He has the talent of a Number One Wide Receiver, however as you know the Bengals have great WR Talent. But what makes Henry underrated is the matchup problems he creates. He could've been considered in my "league's 50 most impactul players" list. While most teams can boast a Number One CornerBack and Number Two CornerBack who's play is virtually on the same level as one another, the average team has a big drop off going to the NickelBack. Henry easily beats NickelBacks without a problem and is a great redzone threat. However, because he's so talented, Henry can line up against the opposition's premier CornerBack(and beat him) and thus allow TJ Houshmandzadeh or Chad Johnson to play in the slot, creating an even larger mismatch at all levels of the secondary.

Cleveland Browns:
Overrated: Leigh Bodden. Bodden isn't a bad CornerBack. However Leigh Bodden isn't a great corner, nor is he a consistant corner, but merely a good corner with a few strings of luck. Bodden has the makings of a great corner, and with a heaping of luck he managed lining up against Chad Johnson and preventing him from getting yardage, and more importantly touchdowns. Because of this, people seem to consistently place him on the "just on the outside" list of top CornerBacks, or as an a great CornerBack that is just about to enter elite status. The fact is that Bodden only had one good game against Chad Johnson that should be considered "shutting him down", but what makes him overrated is his inability to string together consistantly good games or even play an entire season. Bodden has yet to play an entire 16 game season in his 4-year NFL career, and his one good game against Chad Johnson can only take him so far. So while Bodden may be "The Chad Stopper", though Johnson's gotten the better of him more often than not, I'm pretty sure Browns fans would rather want a consistant CornerBack.

Underrated: Kamerion Wimbley. Throughout the offseason there was consistant talk about a Brown being underrated and a "Pro Bowl Snub". His name was Sean Jones. Jones posted numbers that were good on paper, however, with further research Jones was the product of a blitz. When one examines Jones' statistics, they find that when the Browns didn't blitz, or the QB didn't make an errant throw, he put up a very average 53 tackles, .5 sacks, and 2 Passes Defended. So who do you think that it was that brought those blitzes that allowed Jones those numbers? Kamerion Wimbley. Wimbley, as a rookie mind you, provided an unheard of 19.5 plays behind the Line. Because in the 3-4, when an Outside LineBacker comes it isn't considered a blitz, Wimbley had the majority of his sacks when the Browns brought less than four. He can bullrush the line, or win on finesse. But what's most impressive is that Wimbley takes away anything to the outside in the run game. His unheard of 8.5 run stuffs is why he gets the nod over Jones. Wimbley was the clearcut second best pure 3-4 OLB in the NFL behind Merriman last year. Hopefully he can repeat that success and join the elite ranks.

Dallas Cowboys:
Overrated: Tony Romo. Last season the champagne was broken out, and the road to Super Bowl XLI rested on the shoulders of Tony Romo. He was the new QuarterBack in Big D, was well liked, considered a leader, and though Parcells knew it all along, it seemd as if the little known QB out of Iowa was the deal. Heck, Romo could've done it all, including put up Pro Bowl numbers. Apparantely he did, considering that he did make the Pro Bowl. However, the second that those votes were cast and locked in place, Romo's play started to hit a decline of immeasurable proportions. Teams started to gather film on him, witness him in real life, and make adjustments that resulted in the decline in play that many said they forsaw coming. Tony Romo may have been a good QuarterBack last season, however, most of his success came about as the result of teams not having footage on him, a gust of momentum that he rode, and a talented team around him until it came crashing down in the most horrible of ways. Hopefully for his sake, his 2007 will be like the first half of his season.

Underrated: Anthony Henry. Anthony Henry is a guy that's easy to forget because he plays across from the guy that many consider the league's second best CornerBack in Terrence Newman. However, that doesn't stop Anthony Henry from showing up, and putting up good metrics. While it doesn't seem fair that Newman hasn't reached a Pro Bowl yet, it doesn't seem fair that Henry is lost in Newman's shadow. Yes, Newman has only allowed two touchdowns over that many seasons, however Henry's abilities aren't that far behind him. Henry allowed 5 touchdowns in the 2006-07 season, which is average, however his other metrics were absolutely amazing. Despite having a knee injury for the later half of the season and being picked on for it, as evidenced by his 110 targets, Henry only allowed 60 completions for a very good 688 yards. In addition to all of this, Henry led the NFL in passes defended. It's because of the immensely good play of Henry and Newman that Roy Williams' coverage numbers were third amongst Safeties.

Denver Broncos:
Overrated: Brandon Stokely. I absolutely hate the fact that the two players that I have for the Broncos are two individuals that weren't Broncos last season. While Stokely is an excellent receiver in the slot, he's an excellent receiver in the slot when he's being thrown to by Peyton Manning. He was an average, at best, Slot Receiver/Starter in Baltimore, and looks to return to that role in Denver, especially while working with a young QuarterBack like Jay Cutler. You throw in the fact that Stokely is coming off of injury, and that he's used to a team in which speed is the key, going to a team filled with possession recievers and though he should be the clearcut slot guy, he'll be battling with the likes of Brandon Marshall, Dave Kircus and David Terrell, all of which can add a more physical presence in the run game that Stokely doesn't. For this reason, Brandon Stokely gets this tag.

Underrated: Travis Henry. After the 2003 season I found myself extremely upset that Travis Henry was considered one of the better HalfBacks in the next years installation of Madden NFL Football. However, this was also in my uninformed days where I was a fanboy. Henry had a 1,400 yard season in 2002, a 1,300 yard season in 2003, and then the Bills proceeded to make an incredibly bone-headed decision and replace him with Willis McGahee. Henry eventually departed for Tennessee and did nothing behind Chris Brown his first season there. However, last season the Travis Henry of old returned and proved that he still has gas in the tank. Additionally, and luckily for him, Henry is without wear from those two years of being relegated to backup duty. Behind an offensive line that is good, but not elite, Henry ran for 1,200 yards in only 12 starts and was an intergral part of the Titans second half of the season comeback. It's extremely scary to think what Travis Henry can do behind that zone blocking scheme.

Detroit Lions:
Overrated: Tatum Bell. The Broncos made out like bandits in their trade for Bell. The Lions didn't get fair trade value. The Broncos got the second best man coverage CornerBack in the NFL, while the Lions got a HalfBack that hasn't proved that he can succeed outside of the system, and even still didn't put up good numbers in the system anyway in comparison to others. Yes, Bell replaces their problem of not having Kevin Jones until late in the season, however, once again, can Bell succeed outside of that system? This is strengthened by the notion that he's running behind an offensive line that leaves something to be desired and is going to have his carries drastically cut back in that highspeed offense. However, Bell will have to become something that he hasn't been since entering the NFL... a HalfBack that can make contributions in the passing game, and I'm not sure if he can.

Underrated: Cory Redding. There's a reason that the Lions franchised this guy. It's also good news that he played last season without Shaun Rogers for 10 games, because as of right now, he might have to get used to it. Redding has gotten help from Rogers, however, is a force against the run himself. But what Redding brings that the Lions drastically need is an athletic presence on the defensive line that can track down screen passes, knock passes down, and perhaps most important for a young defense, get to the QuarterBack. Redding had his breakout season, sack wise, last year, and looks to apply what he learned last year with his already good run stopping skills. Redding could very easily become a complete Defensive Tackle in today's NFL if he becomes more effective while the Lions blitz, but like the majority of the underrated players on this list, he has many years left in him.

Green Bay Packers:
Overrated: Aaron Kampman. Aaron Kampman's 2006-07 sack total was mind racking. He basically averaged a sack per game, and who doesn't want that. However, because of that one good season in terms of sacks people like to add Kampman to the top list of the league's Defensive Ends. Anyone who knows me knows I'm an avid practitioner of not calling a player tops at their position based on one season, no matter how dominant, because players dissapear and quickly in this NFL. However, Kampman seems to be getting that treatment being called a top 10 defensive end. However, as good of a force as Kampman was against the pass last season, Aaron Kampman is just not a force against the run. Tackles easily take him out of the run game, and as teams begin to run more and more, Kampman's pressence is virtually erased. Top 10 Defensive Ends dont dissapear against the run game, especially as it gets stronger.

Underrated: Chad Clifton. You probably remember Clifton from the Warren Sapp incident. Or that even since I compiled my "league's 50 most impactul players" I've been touting him as the league's best Left Tackle. In a league where Left Tackles are giving up 6 or 7 sacks a season with ease, Clifton has only given up 18.5 sacks in his 95 career games started. He gives up a sack once every five games in comparison to other Left Tackles that give up a sack roughly once every other game, such as Jonathan Ogden, Walter Jones, and Orlando Pace. But perhaps what's most impressive about Clifton and supports the claim of him being the best Left Tackle in the NFL is his insand dropback rate. On a team that hurls the ball more than most others, Clifton allows a sack once every 209 dropbacks. In other words, as Brett Favre drops back about 553 times a season, Clifton allows 2.5 sacks a season for Favre. That's dominance, and it's not even close. While guys like Pace, Ogden and Jones are heralded as the consensus bests, Clifton, not only allows less sacks than them, but has never had a terrible season like they have had.

Houston Texans:
Overrated: Andre Johnson. Andre Johnson has 30 drops over the past 4 seasons, or basically, since he's entered the league. To put that in retrospect the only other #1 Wide Receivers that come close in terms of drops over that period are Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, and Darrell Jackson all of which are known for being up there in drop totals by those who do the research. Two of his seasons in the NFL he has eclipsed double digit drop totals. While Andre Johnson may be a physical talent that many teams wouldn't want to wreckon with, the fact is his two Pro Bowl appearances don't make him a top 5 Wide Receiver like many individuals have been saying this off-season. However, what cements his status here is that Pete Prisco has recently called Andre Johnson the second best Wide Receiver in the NFL. Johnson has never eclipsed the 7 touchdown mark, has only eclipsed 1,000 yards twice, and doesn't go over the middle with effect, and doesn't take many of his targets for first downs.

Underrated: Dunta Robinson. Dunta Robinson is a top 10 CornerBack. However, he continues to be omitted from many fans list, my included unfortunately. When compiling a list of top 10 CornerBacks on the top of my head a few times in the past 3 days, Dunta Robinson wasn't listed once. He wasn't listed as a top corner in an off-season periodical that has been released so far yet either. Dunta Robinson, however, unlike other CornerBacks, didn't have a pass rush, nor a consistent No. 2 CornerBack to help his game and yet still had a good season. Robinson was picked on 105 times, yet still managed to only allow 59 of them for completions. However, while those numbers aren't his impressive ones, his touchdowns and yards given up, the most important metrics, were. He allowed a good 4 touchdowns, band only 697 yards through the air. Once again, take into account the talent around Robinson and you'll see that on a more talented team Robinson could be putting up top 3 metrics in the NFL.

Indianapolis Colts:
Overrated: Bob Sanders. I can say, without a doubt, or a single moment of hesitation that Bob Sanders is easily the most overrated player in the NFL. Bob Sanders is a merely average Safety that benefited from a few hits on undersized HalfBacks like Willie Parker to boost his highlight reel. Sanders doesn't add big plays like some would like to tell you. Sanders averages 6 tackles a game, which is good, but after that his stats aren't even average. He has 2 career regular season interceptions which came on a drop and an overthrow. He also only has 7 career PDs, and only two forced fumbles in the regular season. However, what makes Sanders overrated is that when you employ somebody to provide footage or an example of Sanders actually preventing a big play, not allowing a reception and then making a tackle, but preventing a catch or stopping a HalfBack in crunch time, or blitzing and disrupting the QB, nobody can ever seen to reproduce an example. When was the last time Sanders single-handedly won a game for the Colts like other elite Safeties? However, what sets Sanders apart as the most overrated player in the NFL is that he was given immense credit for the Colt's improved play against he run in the playoffs. However, the players that truly disserved the praise were Rob Morris, Booger McFarland, and Dwight Freeney.

Underrated: Booger McFarland. He's on here because he's one of the real reasons that Indianapolis's run defense sured up in the playoffs. There were other moves like moving Rob Morris, and Freeney returning to health, however, McFarland picked his play up bigtime. While McFarland was average at best during the regular season, he showed the veteran presence and playoff understanding that he developed in Tampa Bay. That's the reason that the Colts traded for him in October. To be a solidified Nose Tackle that could help them stop the run. Unfortunately for them, and much to the fortune of Sanders, McFarland's play didn't improve until the Colts reached the playoffs. McFarland's solidification into the Nose Tackle that eats up two gaps that the Colts had traded for is the second largest reason that the Colt's Defense improved against the run in the playoffs.

Jacksonville Jaguars:
Overrated: Maurice Jones-Drew. When you factor in kick return yards to be included into total yardage, Maurice Jones-Drew blew away the competition in terms of yardage and touchdowns put up as a rookie. However, Maurice Jones-Drew also had the luxury to be splitting carries with a fine HalfBack. A HalfBack that Jim Brown has stated "could've been the best ever had it not been for the fact that he's plagued by the injury bug." Jones-Drew benefited greatly from this, because while Jones-Drew racked up yardage and scores, who do you think that it was teams were gameplanning for? The starter with numbers or the rookie that just happened to have numbers? Additionally Jones-Drew benefited from something that most rookies do. The fact that there is no professional footage on them for the first couple of weeks in the season, and little footage on them later in the season. Jones-Drew should expect a good season while splitting more carries with Taylor and eventually surpassing him, however, teams can now gameplan against him. Additionally, he wont be tearing the same makeshift Colts' defense up again.

Underrated: Brian Williams. Rashean Mathis, Rashean Mathis, Rashean Mathis. Of the defensive players that the Jaguars feature in the back seven, for some reason Mathis is the only one that people seem to want to mention as elite. While Williams isn't elite, he's one of the better Number 2 CornerBacks in the NFL. While Mathis racks up the interception and return yardage totals Williams does what's most important. He sticks his guy and makes sure that he doesn't beat him. Perhaps the example that exemplifies this best is his coverage on Terrell Owens in Opening Weekend. Williams doesn't have excellent hands to make the interceptions, however, when left on an island Williams gets the job done. Unfortunately for Williams, it seems that when he gets Safety help he seems to struggled because he places too much emphasis on the Safety being close to him, however, in today's leage a corner that can be left on an island is large asset.

Kansas City Chiefs:
Overrated: Damon Huard. Let me get this straight? The Chiefs looked like buttholes all off-season, messing with Trent Green in the trade situation, and finally got rid of him for a career Backup QuarterBack that has tasted success once? Maybe it's just me, but perhaps Huard tasted that success because he had an All-Pro calibur HalfBack carrying his play, as well as a future Hall-of-Fame Tight End as well as a vastly underrated Number One Wide Receiver. Good coaching there Herm. Additionally, Huard still has strides to make for a team that's trying to play for now, while building for the future as well. Huard may bring a veteran presence, but he doesn't know what it means to lead a team to wins, despite having been a Patriot for two of their Super Bowl runs. Huard doesn't command the respect that a 4,000 yard passer such as Green would, and while he may be a veteran, to expect him to play at last year's ratio, as well as teach Brodie Croyle the ins and outs of the game for the future is ridiculous. Huard is not better than a 4,000 yard passer.

Underrated: Eddie Kennison. Eddie Kennison isn't a top 10 Wide Receiver. Heck, Kennison might very well not even be a top 20 Wide Receiver. However, Kennison is a guy that gets on the field, puts up the numbers of a top 20 Wide Receiver and has done it for the past five years, no matter how he's been asked to do it. Kennison's rank obviously gets denoted when you realize that the Chiefs first method of attack this decade has been and more than likely will continue to be with the running game, followed by my man Gonzo. However, Kennison still manages to put up good numbers, and though he's up there in age, Kennison manages to go anywhere on the field, including across the middle, and does it without fear. But Kennison provides the veteran pressence that only guys like Marvin Harrison presents. When his QuarterBack is under pressure Kennison works back to him as evidence by a large portion of his receptions, an incredible 37% coming when his QB needed him most. Eddie Kennison, I salute you.

Miami Dolphins:
Overrated: Joey Porter. Mr. Porter spent a few years as the league's best 3-4 Outside LineBacker. However, unfortunately for him talent like Wimbley, Ware, and Merriman have entered the league. Now, Porter has been moved to a team that runs a 4-3, and while Porter is one of the more complete 3-4 Outside LineBackers that can cover and blitz, I'm not sure he can succeed in a 4-3. He'll be asked to do more than just blitz, and while he can cover, he doesn't have the sideline to sideline skill that a 4-3 Outside LineBacker needs to succeed. So while I can see that the Dolphins picked him up because he can put his hand in the dirt and offer a legitimate pass rush opposite of Taylor, I don't see the point in dishing out $30 million for what, at this point, and with the way he can be used, it essentially a "tweener" rather than versatile.
Porter's a LineBacker, not a Defensive End. When he had his hand in the dirt, while he got some pressure he was manhandled coming up out of the stance. Porter's at his best when he's got space eating Defensive Ends taking the Guard out of the play. Unfortunately for him, those aren't in Miami.

Underrated: Vernon Carey. Everyone tells you that the Dolphins have a bottom two offensive line in the NFL, and that they're the reason that Ronnie Brown can't run and that their QuarterBack's can't succeed. While the Dolphin's Offensive Line might not provide good individual run blocking metrics, and group pass metrics, Vernon Carey is secretly turning into one of the league's best hidden secrets. Carey's started 30 out of a possible 32 games over the last two seasons and has given up a mere 8.5 sacks over those games. Additionally, Carey has only had 5 penalties over that same time span. Those are some impressive pass metrics for a third year starting Left Tackle that only started 2 games his rookie season. Unfortunatley for Carey the Dolphins are a team that rely on the run, and his metrics aren't that good in the run. If he improves in that metric he might soon become the league's best Left Tackle.

Minnesota Vikings:
Overrated: Tony Richardson. Tony Richardson is a good FullBack. If you want to plow it in for the score or if you want a blocker out in space. However, that's not what the Vikings need. They have two HalfBacks that are capable of catching the ball and taking it the distance, however, both of those HalfBacks are somewhat on the smaller side and have both have durability issues. Additionally, one of them is a rookie that hasn't logged an NFL snap. That said, Richardson is the perfect compliment for their playing style, however, Richardson has to be better inside the tackles, and especially up the gut for the Vikings run game to truly be successful next season. Taylor and Peterson are going to get their stuff to the outside. However, can they get it in up the middle when they don't need to score, but they need to get the first down to keep the drive going? Richardson can't do that for them as it would seem right now, even with one of the more talented left sides of an offensive line in the NFL.

Underrated: Chester Taylor. Chester Taylor has been in the NFL for 5 years. That's 80 games that he could've started. Of those, Taylor has only started 23. Taylor has no wear and tear on his body, and it was evidence when he got his first full starting season last year. Taylor proceeded to run for 1,200 yards and 6 touchdowns and contributed 42 receptions. However, despite all of this Chester Taylor will be relegated to splitting carries at best, as the Vikings went out and drafted Adrian Peterson with their first round draft pick. I'm all for taking talent, but they already had a talented HalfBack who will now be considered a backup in the eyes of many. Chester Taylor is a talent that can catch with ease, catching 82% of the passes thrown in his direction as well as adds very valuable blocking skills on passing down. While Minnesota may not be treating him as bad as I'm making it out to be, I still think that Taylor is getting the shaft with this deal. If he is relegated to backup duties, he can always help with kick return duties.

New England Patriots:
Overrated: Ty Warren. People look at Warren's statistics on paper and make the assumption that he's an elite 3-4 Defensive End. While he may be one it isn't because of his play, but because the selection wears pretty thin. Ty Warren may be able to get to the QuarterBack, and he may even be able to sack him, however, Warren fails at his first job. The Patriots have Vince Wilfork at Nose Tackle, and Wilfork isn't exactly commanding double teams. In a 3-4, when your Nose Tackle can't occupy the blockers the duty then falls onto the Defensive Ends. While Richard Seymour does this, Warren doesn't do it consistantly. Warren sees single teams, and as a result, he does see excellent numbers on paper. However, Warren isn't a disruptive force against the run like Seymour, and as stated earlier, with his lack of occupying blockers doesn't help his outside LineBackers make it to the QuarterBack easier. Warren is a good player, but far from a top 50 overall player. Additionally, just because you put up Pro Bowl numbers and don't go doesn't mean you actually disserved to go.

Underrated: Logan Mankins. Logan Mankins may be the next Alan Faneca. Logan Mankins just obliterates his man off of the Line-of-Scrimmage when it comes to the run game, and does it with ease. While he didn't do as impactful in his rookie season, Mankins did it this season. Since entering the league Mankins has been playing at a top level. His impact in the run game is possibly the second biggest in the NFL, however, Makins also has only allowed 5 sacks since entering the NFL and has only commited 7 penalties. Mankins clearly has an understanding of the game that even some veteran Guards don't have. However, what makes Mankins a very good player is that he can do it at either Guard position. It doesn't matter whether he's on the right or the left, Mankins just seems to flip it in his head, and go. Logan Mankins is a very underrated Guard that has already made his way into the top 5 Guards in the NFL, yet the only people making mention of this are Patriots fans.

New Orleans Saints:
Overrated: Reggie Bush. Unfortunately for Reggie Bush he was hyped up before he was even drafted. However, It's not Bush's fault that the media selected him as their golden boy. Bush is on this list, not because he isn't good, as he's shown signs of brilliance, but because I have not ever heard another player toted as much as Reggie Bush. Reggie Bush, unfortunately, suffers from what I have deamed "Urlacher Syndrome". For those who don't know, "Urlacher Syndrome" is what happens when a player is credit with the success of his teamates even if his actions are opposite of theirs. There is no doubt that Bush did have an impact on the Saints offense, however, I've heard ludicrous claims throughout the season. I heard individuals say that even when Bush was averaging less than 3.5 yards per carry, but contributing receptions that Bush can be credited more than anybody with the Saints success. They were saying this simply because "he's a decoy and teams look at him before any other Saints player." Last I checked, while teams were looking for Bush, they seemed more concerned with the starting HalfBack, Joe Horn, and breakout rookie sensation Marques Colston. If any other played contributed 80+ receptions, but only averaged 3.5 YPC, they'd be ridiculed as a HalfBack that should be a receiver.

Underrated: Brian Simmons. Former Bengals LineBacker that has played both Outside and Inside, Brian Simmons is an underrated player. The only legitimate consistant threat that Cincinnati had on defense, Simmons was let go to make room for their young and developing LineBacker Corp. However, despite this, Simmons is one of the better LineBackers in the National Football League. While Simmons isn't an elite player, he is an excellent leader that provides a presence on any defense that he's on. He also has a nose for the ball and can lay the heavy hit down to force a fumble. However, Simmons best aspect, and one that the Saints are in desperate need of is his coverage ability. Simmons, even at his age, can run with most Tight Ends and in a division that features some good tight end talent, the Saints will need that. However, Simmons' best ability is one that cannot be measured. His heart. I honestly suspect Simmons to surplant one of the starters and never relinquish his role after that. He's one of my sleeper picks.

New York Giants:
Overrated: Brandon Jacobs. In all honesty, I don't think this guy can carry the full load. While he's an excellent power back made for the goal line situations, Jacobs is 6-4 and 264 pounds. That's not the stuff of a starting HalfBack. Additionally, Jacobs hasn't received over 100 carries in a season yet, and, once again, I don't feel that that's gonna be an easy transition. However, the biggest reason that I have Jacobs up here is because he is no Tiki Barber. The Giants are a team that depend on their running game. While they have a talented Wide Receiver and Tight End combo, as well as a dependable No. 2 in Amani Toomer, Eli Manning's success and ability to work with them all starts with the Giants ability to run the ball. The Giants offense starts with that. However, the Giants HalfBacks are also needed to help Manning progress in the passing game with screen passes and check down throws, and I don't know if Jacobs can do that. He was targeted 14 times last season, catching 11. That's his career high. When it's all said and done I expect Jacobs to fall back to his 2006 role of the Goal Line Back while Droughns becomes the starter.

Underrated: Reuben Droughns. As I've spoken to Giants fans throughout the off-season the word is that Brandon Jacobs is going to be the starter. To me that just seems like a boneheaded choice. Many people find Droughns to be a system back because they remember that he had success back in Denver 3 seasons ago. However, Reuben Droughn is a HalfBack that can run behind a busted offensive line and still produce. Back in his first season in Cleveland Droughns produced over 1,500 yards from scrimmage pm 348 touches, 39 of which happened to be receptions. While those aren't Tiki Barber numbers, Droughns is a closer replacement to Barber than Jacobs can probably ever hope to be. Droughns is a power back that can display finesse moves when need be, and can replace Tiki Barber's ability to catch balls in check down situations. However, Droughns can also provide something Barber will really be missed for. Pass blocking ability. In the end, Droughns is the perfect compliment to Brandon Jacobs, and together, with Droughns as the starter, the Giants can put out a duo that isn't as good as their duo of last season, however, they can come close.

New York Jets:
Overrated: Jonathan Vilma. Jonathan Vilma can make tackles. Jonathan Vilma can hit you hard and make you fumble. However, Jonathan Vilma is a North-South LineBacker, and may be the most pure one in the NFL. Vilma cannot move laterally from sideline to sideline effectively as other top Middle LineBackers, and essentially, he's limited by this. Additionally, while he's a North-South LineBacker Vilma still needs to make strides in his coverage ability. Vilma is a top 10 Middle LineBacker, however, he has many strides to go until he can be a top 5 one in my opinion. While the Jets are filled with underrated players that don't get their due, Vilma isn't one of them. However, the main reason the Vilma is here is because the Jets are making the transition to the 3-4, and Vilma has shown struggles, and will struggle in the 3-4. To be a 3-4 Middle LineBacker one has to be able to move from sideline to sideline and cover up for the absence of the other LineBackers after 5 yards. Vilma can't do that, and isn't ready to do it yet. Additionally, Vilma seems to have an interesting love for "falling on the pile".

Underrated: Kimo Von Oelhoffen. First, Kerry Rhodes isn't the choice because he's the obvious pick. While he's underrated by analyst and casual fans, the informed fan is well aware of Kerry Rhodes by now. Additionally, I also think Pennington's underrated. I think the Jets have about six or seven, if not more, individuals, all of which can be placed here. However,I truly don't think that Kimo is the Jets' premier underrated individual for one reason. While he may not be their best underrated player, over last year and the next year he is the most influential off the field. While the Jets are a team built around the 4-3, there's a reason they picked up Kimo Von Oelhoffen. The Jets are switching to a 3-4 defense, and Kimo VOn Oelhoffen is a veteran within that defense, and has experienced immense success in it. Von Oelhoffen is going to be able to teach the young Defensive Ends of the Jets gap techniques and ways to eat up the run while. Additionally, his play will help Victor Hobson and Bryan Thomas make the transition to 3-4 Outside LineBackers. It's because of that that Von Oelhoffen is here instead of one of those seven other players.

Oakland Raiders:
Overrated: Warren Sapp. Late in the season, and all throughout the off-season people were calling for heads because Warren Sapp wasn't selected as a Pro Bowler, and wasn't put as a top 5 Defensive Tackle in some individuals eyes. In the end, it just emphasizes the statement I said earlier; just because you have Pro Bowl numbers doesn't mean you actually disserve to go. Sapp's sudden re-emergence to the top of his game isn't because he just somehow came back. Though Sapp was a force against the run, his sudden emergence back to being a run stopper and a pass rusher was because of Derrick Burgess. In fact, more than one player can be attributed to Sapps re-emergence. Possible to add to that list are DT Terdell Sands and Middle LineBacker Kirk Morrison. Warren Sapp is a future Hall-of-Famer, and a great player that can still make an impact against the run. However, at this stage in his career Sapp is not a Pro Bowl player, nor an elite, as in top 5, Defensive Tackle.

Underrated: Robert Gallery. Robert Gallery is horribly underrated! While Gallery should not be playing the Left Tackle position, he can play effectively at the Right Tackle position. Gallery's problem is that he's listening too much to everyone else rather than just playing his game. Gallery has had many different blocking technique coaches since becoming a Raider, and has been placed all over the place. Gallery has been criticized because of his hand technique, however, despite this Gallery, when in his natural Right Tackle position has only allowed 6.5 sacks in a 31 game span. He also allowed others to run for good yardage behind him as well. Gallery's problem, once again, comes to his hand technique, as he drew 22 penalties over that span, however with all the diversity that has been forced down Gallery's throat it's amazing he hasn't dropped out of the league yet. If you place Gallery back in his natural position, and allow him to work, developing his technique his way, rather than whoever the Raiders assistant is that year, Gallery could quickly develop and become a great tackle. I guess people place so much hate on him because of how high he as picked.

Philadelphia Eagles:
Overrated: Lito Sheppard. I don't know how many times that I have to say this, but Lito Sheppard is not an elite CornerBack, nor is he the best CornerBack on his team. Yes, Sheppard can get an interception, return it for a touchdown and look good doing it. He can also do it with the game on the line. However, that doesn't mean that Lito Sheppard does the first two things that a CornerBack is supposed to do in prevent yardage and touchdowns. Sheppard is a gambling CornerBack that fails more than he succeeds, however lucky for him, he has high interception totals. However, his int totals are missleading. While Sheppard had 6 interceptions last season, 3 of them came as the result of miscommunication between the QuarterBack and the Wide Receiver, including his game-sealer against Dallas, and two more of them came on Overthrows by the QuarterBack. However, despite this I hear individuals say Sheppard's the Eagles best corner and an elite one. Sheppard is a slightly above average CornerBack that should be happy so much stock is placed in interceptions.

Underrated: Trent Cole. Trent Cole may be one of the league's most underrated pass rushers of the edge. The Eagles specialize in a two unit defensive line rotation that keeps their men fresher than the offensive line, and when Jevon Kearse went down, Cole took his place. However, even while taking the place of Kearse, Cole stayed with his duties on the second rotation as well, becoming the only Eagle to play in both rotations, and he did it well too. However, Cole wasn't merely one dimensional in compiling his 8 sacks, Cole also played the run the best that an Eagle could. He stuffed the run 7.5 times, and made impacts before the ball carrier got more than 5 yards upfield multiple times. However, perhaps Cole's best feature that makes him underrated is his ability to get his hands up. Despite only being in the NFL for 2 years, Cole manages to put his hands up when he gets passed his defender, and even when he can't he tries to get them up and bat the ball down at the Line-of-Scrimmage. I fully expect Trent Cole to explode for at least another 8 sacks next season, and do it on both the left and the right side of the defensive line again.

Pittsburgh Steelers:
Overrated: Ben Roethlisberger. As a Steelers fan it pains me to say this, but Big Ben has a very immature problem. I still believe that Roethlisberger is a top 10 QuarterBack based on his first two seasons, however, he does something that I don't see any other QB do. He plays for his statistics at times, rather than the smart play. I cannot count the number of times that Roethlisberger has seen the check down receiver, looked at him for a few seconds, then proceeded to look up field and heave it. No, it's not "Rex Grossman Syndrome". Roethlisberger heaves it because if he gets the completion his numbers and rating will skyrocket compared to the checkdown that wont change his QB Rating at times. However, last season this was at an all-time low level and can be highlighted by two plays in the redzone. The first of which was a play against the Bengals in which he tossed the ball to the only reciever, Miller, with 3 Bengals around him, rather than toss it away in an attempt to get his horrible QB Rating at the time up. Another was when the Steelers had a chance to come back against the Raiders and Roethlisberger could've run behind Faneca, however went for the TD Pass instead.

Underrated: Clark Haggans. Clark Haggans might be the second best overall 3-4 Outside LineBacker behind DeMarcus Ware. Haggans is going to be very instrumental in moving to the 4-3 Cover 2 base that the Steelers are going to start employing as he's a 3-4 Outside LineBacker that has displayed some tendencies of a 4-3 OLB as well. Haggans can get to the QuarterBack and will immediately locate the ball. However, Haggans can also play zone coverage pretty darn well. Additionally, Haggans has the rare ability for a guy his size that is used to run at the QuarterBack to move Sideline to Sideline. Haggans is going to excel in the 4-3 Cover 2 scheme because of his excellent ability to play zone coverage out past the flat and rush the QuarterBack. Haggans has a nose for reading plays and where they're going to go, and with a little coaching up can become a Lance Briggs like player with amazing coverage skills in both man and zone. Watch for his numbers to balloon as he enters Tomlin's defense.

San Diego Chargers:
Overrated: Philip Rivers. Philip River as the 2nd overall QuarterBack taken in the 2004 Draft. Unlike the other two QuarterBacks he had two seasons to sit as his team emerged as one of the more talented offenses in the NFL. As Rivers put up good numbers people forget that his numbers looked so good because he had the league MVP in his backfield. All of a Sudden Rivers is better than the two QuarterBacks that have taken their less talented teams to the playoffs twice, and one has been a Super Bowl winning QuarterBack? Philip Rivers showed signs of brilliance, however, what I don't get it how certain QuarterBacks are faulted for supposedly riding a defense and a HalfBack, yet Rivers never received that stigma because he threw a few more times. However, when you look at his numbers, they got better qw LaDainian's running game got stronger. River isn't a bad QuarterBack, however, annointing him a top 10 QB after one season where the focus was on a future Hall-of-Famer and not him doens't seem fair.

Underrated: Quentin Jammer. Quinten Jammer was thrown at more than any other CornerBack in the NFL. However, Quinten Jammer was also left on an island more than any CornerBack in the NFL not named Champ Bailey. However, many people remember Jammer for his absolutely horrid Fred Thomas-like season in 2005 and assume that he just cannot play at a top level. However, last year Quinten Jammer was a reliable corner and it a very large reason why the Chargers were capable of going 14-2. His improved play in the secondary helped that defense drastically. Even left on an island Jammer was excellent at batting the ball down. Despite being thrown at 126 times, Jammer allowed 72 completions. His completion percentage isn't that impressive, however his other metrics are. Jammer allowed 810 yards and thus only allowed a paultry 6.42 Yards per attempt, and even better, only 3 touchdowns. However, what's ironic about this is that this is a very Ike Taylor(of 2005) like season. Will Jammer pull a Taylor and decline in play?

San Fransisco 49ers:
Overrated: Frank Gore. I am not saying that Frank Gore isn't a good HalfBack. However, Frank Gore has had only one good season in the NFL. To label him a top HalfBack after as much is a little ludicrous. Yes, this young man is talented, but too many people are labeling him as the 4th best HalfBack in the NFL. In a position that's top players fluctuates on a yearly basis is it really a good idea to place somebody that hasn't proven they can be consistent or continuously dominant in those ranks? People also seem to forget that Gore was running behind an Offensive Line that last year one could've considered to be top 5. Additionally, because Gore compiled 60 receptions many say that he is an excellent receiving back. While he's good, Gore only caught 70% of the balls intended for him through the air. While that's not horrible, it's not the stuff of elite catching backs.

Underrated: Jonas Jennings. While Frank Gore is an excellent back the tandem of Larry Allen and Jonas Jennings is one reason his numbers were so great. More specifically Jennings because he was there for 2 more games than Allen. Additionally Jennings still plays the hardest position to play on the offensive line, and protects a 2nd year QuarterBacks blind spot. Protecting Smith's blindside Jennings only allowed 1 Sack on the season for 7 yards. Additionally, Jennings effect on the run is what has him underrated. While everyone was toting Frank Gore as an elite player in the off-season none made mention of his offensive line. Running behind Jennings and Allen, Gore's numbers skyrocketed from a mere good 4.4 YPC to an astounding 7.4 Yards per carry. I don't know where you come from, but where I come from, allowing only one sack on the season, and then helping to improve your HalfBack's Yards per carry by 3 yards is something that warrents Pro Bowl consideration. Brandon More gets an honorable mention as well.

Seattle Seahawks:
Overrated: Walter Jones. Walter Jones is a top 5 Offensive Tackle. However, to call Walter Jones the unquestioned best Left Tackle in the NFL or a top 7 Player, regardless of position, as Pete Prisco recently did, is absolutely ridiculous. Every year, barring his 2004 season, there is at least one Tackle out there with a better season than Jones. So how does that make him the consensus best? Jones has had three average seasons, two horrible seasons, three great seasons, and one amazing season. That's not exactly the stuff of the consensus best Left Tackle in the NFL. Jones is a good player. Actually he's a great one, but to call somebody the consensus best based merely on their reputation rather than production, especially when there are some tackles with a much better impact in the pass game, and some with an equal impact in the run game, I don't think anyone can honestly call Jones the best Left Tackle in the NFL without providing a substantial argument to go along with it.

Underrated: Lofa Tatupu. Lofa Tatupu has been in the NFL for two years. In those two years Tatupu has made the Pro Bowl twice. While the NFC does wear thin at the Middle LineBacker position, Tatupu has made it because he disserves it. However, despite this, Tatupu hasn't been listed in many individuals top LineBackers list. Tatupu is one of the few, if not the only, LineBacker that plays smart before he plays physical. This is because Tatupu is a smaller guy. However, Tatupu still makes plays. But what's most impressive about him is that he might be one of the better sideline to sideline LineBackers in the NFL. People like to say Julian Peterson is an excellent Outside LineBacker, and while he's good Peterson doesn't take away the area outside of the hashmarks. Tatupu managed to cover for this, and made many plays outside the hashmarks. While Tatupu may not have the ability to blow up the run like Brian Urlacher, or the ability to cover like his teamate Peterson, Tatupu is an excellent mix of skill and intelligence that is very lethal and has a bright future ahead of him.

St. Louis Rams:
Overrated: Dante Hall. I have a very loathesome spot in my life for kick returners. Kick Returners might suffer from "Urlacher Syndrome" more than any other players at any other position in the league. Yes, Kick Returners need moves and speed in order to get multiple touchdown seasons, however guys like Hall and Hester have benefited greatly from great blocking in their kick returns, and their ability is drastically overrated. They're fast, but there's a reason guys like this are returning kicks... because they're not good enough to start at their primary position. Dante Hall is a slot reciever at best, that has never grabbed more than 40 receptions or gone over 450 yards. Yet, years ago, based on kick returns alone people were calling him a top player in the league. In the Rams offense next season this guy will be the 5th option at best behind Holt, Jackson, Bennet and Bruce. St Louis' return team is nice for kickoffs, however, Hall wont be lighting anything up.

Underrated: Leonard Little. Leonard Little is on this list for the same reason as Lofa Tatupu. Little may not be the most complete Defensive End, however, Little was Dwight Freeney before Dwight Freeney. Leonard Little isn't exactly a run stopping demon, however, Little is an excellent pass rusher. Unlike Freeney, however, Little can get it done through bullrushes or finesse moves. Yet, despite this, many individuals seem to forget that Leonard Little even exists. I haven't seen a top 5 Defensive End list with him in it over the past 2 or 3 seasons. While I'm not saying that he's easily a top 5 Defensive End, I think he's darn close. Especially if Dwight Freeney is listed in those exact same lists. That means that Little should one spot higher than Freeney. However, one thing that Little does amazingly is knock the ball out of the QuarterBack's hands. He has an excellent nose for locating the ball and swiping at it. When you're not an amazing force against the run, you better be able to get to the QB and knock the ball out of his hands.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Overrated: Ronde Barber. Ronde Barber is a great corner. A possible Hall-of-Famer. However, he is on the decline as of late. Last year found Barber giving up the 3rd most completions in the NFL, allowing 66% of passes to be completed against him and over 800 yards through the air as well. Keep in mind that Barber is in a Cover 2 and on the same side as a former All-Pro LineBacker in Derrick Brooks. Yes, I understand that the Buccaneers defense was asked to on the field a ridiculous amount of time last season, however, Barber's play was just not very good. Once could make a case for DeAngelo Hall having had a better year and they'd have a legitimate argument. Barber is still a heck of a player, and no doubt is in my mind that his numbers would've been way better with the Buc's offense playing better. However, last season was an indication that he's on the decline. Even I overrated Barber.

Underrated: Chris Simms. Ben Roethlisberger and Donovcan McNabb can learn something from this guy. Hell, every QuarterBack in the NFL can learn something from this guy. Chris Simms is one tough SOB. Simms had a ruptured spleen in the first half of a game last season, yet continued to play through the pain, even having to hurl at one point, and finished the game before going to the hospital. However, that's not why Simms is underrated. That's just an example of his immense leadership, despite only having four years in the NFL, and only one with substantial time as a starter. Yes, his numbers were horrible last season, but that's bound to happen when your offense collapses around you and your line can't formulate their blocks for more than 3 seconds. Except for his Guards, Simm's O-Line had a way to go. But people seem to forget that just 2 seasons ago Simms helped to lead this team to the playoffs. So he may not have had Rivers' numbers, but he didn't have top 10 talent on both sides of the ball. So why is it Simms is being relegated to the 3rd spot on the bench?

Tennessee Titans:
Overrated: Vince Young. "Vince Young Wins Games". Yes, Vince Young won games in High School, College, and also had a winning record last season as a rookie. However, this is the NFL, not College or Highschool. At those levels, yes it is possible for a man to win a game himself(for the most part), however it's not possible in the NFL. Yes, Vince Young did happen to run for a long run to send the Titans to a victory against the Texans, however, the media just gave all the credit for the entire Titans run to close out the season. He too was a victim of "Urlacher Syndrome". While the presence of a confident rookie with a good arm and mobility as well as leadership probably did qualm the worries of some Titans, you'd be kidding yourself if you said that individuals like Keith Bulluck, Pacman Jones, Chris Hope, and Travis Henry weren't as instrumental, if not more instrumental than Young in the Titans sudden emergence.

Underrated: Chris Hope. Chris Hope is the sixth best Safety in the NFL. Hope is quite possibly the 2nd best Zone Coverage Safety in the NFL. Not to mention that he's a top 5 Hitter in the NFL, knocking helmets off when he gets the chance. The few knocks that I can find in his game are his overagressiveness, as he seems to always look for the big hit whenever he plays in the box, his inability to get after the Quarterback despite being a Strong Safety, and his lack of speed to run with Slot Wideouts when asked to. But those few flaws means that he has a near complete game. Hope has a great set of hands as well, and while he lacks Ed Reed speed, he is a threat to pick a pass off and return it for sizeable yardage. Hope seems to be a Strong Safety in a Strong Safeties body, that just happens to be able to perform the tasks of a Free Safety. However, Hope's most impressive feat aside from helping the Steelers reach a Super Bowl is helping a young Titans team with no elite players outside of underrated Keith Bulluck get to an 8-8 record.

Washington Redskins:
Overrated: Santana Moss. Santana Moss might take my spot for the third most overrated player in the NFL. Moss has been in the NFL for 6 seasons. Of those 6 seasons, in only two has he produced more than 1,000 yards receiving. Of those two seasons, only one is worth mentioning because it was an effecient and dominant season. However, despite one dominant season out of six, and obviously having not fully actualized his potential yet, somehow I see people ranking Moss as a top 10 Wide Receiver. Moss may not even be a top 15 Receiver. Yes, on ability he obviously is, however, Mike Williams had the ability and that didn't necessarily work out for him, now did it? Moss also has a fumbling problem, and isn't a very loud player. Every once in a while he'll display signs of brilliance only for it to be eclipsed with a consistant string of mediocrity. Yes, we get it, Moss is fast. But he doesn't go over the middle and Moss doesn't seem as he can consistantly do good when a Safety enters the picture. All of this screams average.

Underrated: Mike Sellers. I can't believe that I'm saying this, but my homer of a cousin is actually right on this one. Two seasons ago, when the Redskins jumped into the playoff picture my cousin loved to go off about how "x player on the Redskins is this" and "y player of the Redskins is that". You would've thought every Redskins player was underrated and they were SB Champs. Unfortunately for him he was wrong on most of them. However, he was right on Sellers. Sellers is a good blocking FullBack/H-Back that can lead the way for an individual. However, his versatility is what makes him so good. Sellers as a Fullback 2 seasons ago caught 7 touchdown passes and ran for another one. He was the secret that kept that Redskins offense going, and then he just stopped being used the same way under the new coordinator. Sellers is a sleeper H-Back that can add even more diversity to the Redskins lineup as well as can get in the endzone and make it look like it never even happened.