The Most Unheralded Player on Each Team Chiefs: Branden Albert, LT -Eric Fisher may have been drafted first overall, but Branden Albert has solidified himself as the Chiefs best offensive lineman since coming into the league. All the trade talk was nonsense. Broncos: Wesley Woodyard, ILB -You can take your pick between this linebacker and CB Chris Harris. I went with Woodyard because hes one of the best at a forgotten aspect of linebacker play, coverage. Chargers: King Dunlap, LT -In a year where Rivers has redeemed himself, the defense as a unit has been maddeningly inconsistent, and two rookies emerged, no one talks about King Dunlap redeeming himself by manning the blind side very well. Injuries have been an issue. Raiders: Lamarr Houston, Edge DE -Houston has been a one man wrecking crew on the defensive line in recent years, and its time that he gets the recognition he deserves. Cardinals: Justin Bethel, Special Teams -Cards fans, dont be insulted to see a special teams player here. You have by far the best gunner in the league and a true asset in punt coverage and as a blocker on punt returns. In Week 10, PFF gave Bethel the highest grade theyve ever given for a special teams player. Players like him help put 6 on the board in a hurry. Rams: Joe Barksdale, RT -Initially a backup coming into the season, when Rodger Saffold (PFFs top pass blocking tackle in 2012) got hurt, he stepped in and stole the starting job. Saffold, no slouch on the outside himself, is back and playing right guard. The Rams have the best left and right tackle in the division this year. Seahawks: Doug Baldwin, WR -His lack of snaps may be holding him back, but Doug Baldwin has been one the most productive slot receivers in the NFL for some time now. A major asset for Seattle. 49ers: Tarell Brown, CB -I look at Brown in the same light as Broncos CB Chris Harris. He has exceptional coverage skills that prevent throws his way from being completed, even if his ball skills arent flashy. Ravens: Eugene Monroe, LT -Another team, another season where he gets overlooked. This is nothing new. Steelers: Jerricho Cotchery, WR -His numbers may or may not impress you, but Jerricho Cotchery comes in big when needed and is very good at finding holes in zone coverage. Browns: TJ Ward, S -The more TJ Ward plays well the less likely hell ever been considered as good as he is. His style of play is very in-the-box, but he doesnt make the big hits that others might. A very technical safety in coverage who doesnt get beat deep. Bengals: Vontaze Burfict, OLB -Wow. Burfict is a very physical player who is a tackling machine. Whats most overlooked is his improved coverage skills. While he could cut out the penalties, there are one-dimensional, two-down linebackers in the Hall of Fame, and Burfict is better than all of them. Packers: Casey Hayward, CB -The job of a slot cornerback is probably the most physically difficult in the league. Hayward, in just his second season, has clearly established himself as a the best in that aspect. Bears: Jon Bostic, ILB -Jon Bostic, off a poor preseason, has steadily improved since beginning to play. He has all the physical tools, look out for him in the future. Lions: LaAdrian Waddle, RT -This UDFA right tackle has played better than any of the rookie tackles selected in the draft. Vikings: Brandon Fusco, G -I dont think anyone expected Brandon Fusco to be the Vikings best offensive lineman this year, but hes definitively placed himself in that spot after a poor 2012. Jets: Damon Harrison, NT -Hes known as snacks. Well Harrison has gobbled up runningbacks and driven back the pocket all year to become the best nose tackle in football so far. Dolphins: Charles Clay, TE -Players like Clay (i.e. Delanie Walker) have a way of going unnoticed despite all they do. Clay is a Swiss Army Knife, lining up and being productive anywhere. Patriots: Devin McCourty, FS -The best deep safety in football, Devin McCourty simply does not get beat team and doesnt miss many tackles either. Really should be closer to the top of everyones safety rankings. Bills: Cordy Glenn, LT -Some great pass blocking (including 3 games without allowing a pressure) makes Cordy Glenn one of the rapidly improving offensive linemen in the league. Cowboys: Jason Hatcher, Defensive Interior (End/DT) -Jason Hatcher has really responded well to this 4-3, one of the few players to do so. Hatcher, with balanced play, has established himself as one of the best 4-3 defensive tackles in the league. Eagles: Jason Avant, WR -Another valuable slot receiver, Avant has a penchant for making big catches in clutch situations. Giants: Will Hill, S -With Stevie Brown out, the tenacious Will Hill has stepped up and taken over the starting safety role left in his absence and responded with excellent work against the run. Hes been absent against the Cowboys the last two games, so expect a feeling out process this Sunday for both Hill and Tony Romo. Redskins: Ryan Kerrigan, Edge Defender -Ryan Kerrigan is going to force himself into the public eye. The only question is when. A dynamic rushing force and a difficult player to block. Colts: Gosder Cherilus, RT -Another consistently underrated player, Cherilus was a stalwart in Detroit and has taken that play over to Indianapolis. Jaguars: Paul Posluszny, ILB -One of the most overlooked players in the NFL, Posluszny brings great work against the run and in coverage, as well as a tackling masterpiece every game. Titans: Jurrell Casey, Defensive Interior (4-3 DT) -Unlike Posluszny, the Titans linebackers are some of the worst tacklers in the league. Luckily, they have the defensive line dominance of Jurrell Casey to lean on. Texans: Johnathan Joseph, CB -Any Texans defensive player not named JJ Watt will be underrated, but Johnathan Joseph, once heralded a key signing, has silently resumed his play as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Falcons: Justin Blalock, G -In a year with terrible Falcons O-Line play, Blalock has been the exception. Saints: Akiem Hicks, Defensive Interior (3-4 end) -You could really take your pick of the Saints defensive linemen. I went with Hicks because hes been great at the interior and the attention Cameron Jordan has gotten this year. Panthers: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Interior (4-3 DT) -Another team that you could have its pick of defensive linemen, I went with the first rounder that has been dominant against the run. Proof of the absurdity of the draft, Star should have been a top 5 pick in every aspect. Bucs: Lavonte David, OLB -You will know his name by the end of this season. Lavonte David has been the only linebacker challenging Sean Lee this season. -Jon
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:44:38 +0000
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