FanNation - The Republic of Sport

As promised here is my list of the most under rated players in the NFL. I used the same methodology to derive this list as I did my list of Over rated players (Please refer to the blog I posted yesterday for those). This list I feel may be viewed as a bit more controversial than yesterdays. I will again ask that before you post a comment you at least take the time to read the blog and not just skip through the names. I am not quite as passionate about these picks as my most overrated, so I will list honorable mentions for each position.

Offense

QB- David Carr, Carolina Panthers This was probably the toughest position for me to make my pick and will probably be the most controversial pick. Poor David.... all the promise in the world. he got picked by the upstart Texans as the FIRST pick for their new team and was given the rookie kiss of death by being thrown into game 1 of his rookie season. He has played behind some of the WORST offensive lines ever assembled, which has led to the staggering sack count he has taken (249 in 5 seasons Dan Marino barely took that many in 17 seasons). How do you throw the ball from your back? He had arguably the best year of his career last year. Do i think he is a top 15 QB? God NO! But he is definitely better than a second stringer. I can think of at least 5 teams that would be upgrading with him as their starter. If this guy was surrounded by a decent cast of teammates he would be a productive QB. If Jake Delhomme doesn't regain the composure he showed in 2005, and play like the guy who took his team to the NFC championship game, we may all get a chance to see what I'm saying proved to be true come week 7 or 8. Regardless of this season David Carr will become, at some point, the starting QB of the Panthers and prove me right.

Honorable mention- J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills This poor kid gets dogged because he plays in a media black hole (Buffalo) and played BAD in 2005. He had a really good year in 2006. Look it up... you will agree.

RB- Brandon Jacobs, NY Giants This guy runs like a house. He single handedly grinded the clock down by trudging forward for first downs when the Giants had the lead this past year. He was used primarily in short yardage situations last year, yet still had an avg of 4.4. Great nose for the end zone... 9TD last year. I picked him because I think he is just going to have a monster break out year with Tiki gone. On first and second down giving this guy the ball could be dangerous.... he will have 16-17 TD this year.

Honorable mention- Thomas Jones, NY Jets How do the Bears give up a guy that has rushed for over 1200 yd the past 2 seasons (in a platoon, nonetheless) for a swap of second round picks????

WR- Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns One of the few bright spots on that roster. You have probably never heard of him. Incredible speed, great hands, precise routes. He has progressively gotten better every year. This is gonna be a huge year for him. I predict 75rec 1200yd 9-10TD.

Honorable mention- Terence Copper, New Orleans Saints An elemental piece of the Saints sucess on offense last year. He didn't start to really emerge until Colston missed 2 games due to injury. Copper made the most of his opportunity. He is sure handed and can stretch the field.

TE- Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens Unfortunately Todd plays a position that all the accolades in the AFC go to Gonzales and Gates. He quietly had the 2 best years of his career the last 2 and got slighted on the Pro Bowl both times. He will quietly have another this year... 

Honorable mention- Heath Miller , Pittsburgh Steelers Great blocker, good hands, gets yards after the catch.

Offensive Line- Ben Hamilton LG, Denver Broncos Best lineman on the team, hands down. But little gets said about him. Bruising run blocker and also good at pass protection. This guy is far better than any of the guys who got $50 million contracts this past offseason.

Honorable Mention- Jason Peters LT ,Buffalo Bills  Again affected by the media black hole in Buffalo. Peters is a pro bowl caliber left tackle.

Thanks for reading.I will post the defensive list either later today or tomorrow. Again I welcome your comments.