While superstars dominate headlines, the NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024 season has been shaped by a different breed of players – the underrated workhorses who deliver elite production without recognition. These overlooked talents are outperforming their contracts, draft positions, and public perception to become the true difference-makers for playoff contenders.
In this 2,300-word exclusive, we spotlight:
✔ The 7 most undervalued players this season
✔ Why analytics love them more than fans do
✔ How they’re elevating teams beyond expectations
✔ Contract steals every GM wishes they had
✔ Expert picks for future breakout stars
The Underrated Elite: 2024’s Hidden Gems
1. Alex Highsmith (EDGE, Steelers)
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
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10.5 sacks (T-5th in NFL)
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22 QB hits (More than Nick Bosa)
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86.7 PFF pass rush grade (Elite tier)
Why He’s Overlooked: Plays opposite T.J. Watt
Contract Steal: 4 years, $68 million (27th among edge rushers)
2. Christian Darrisaw (LT, Vikings)
Dominant Metrics:
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1 sack allowed in 14 games
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93.4 run block grade (Best in NFL)
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0 penalties all season
The Crime: Not in Pro Bowl conversation
The Reason: Small market + run-heavy scheme hides his brilliance
The Underpaid Superstars
3. DJ Moore (WR, Bears)
Production vs. Pay:
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1,203 yards (6th in NFL)
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8 TDs (T-8th)
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Earning $20M/year (20th among WRs)
The Context: Putting up numbers with league’s worst QB situation
4. Dre Greenlaw (LB, 49ers)
Under-the-Radar Impact:
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127 tackles (4th in NFL)
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Allowing just 5.3 yards/target (Best among LBs)
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Makes $8M/year (28th at position)
The Irony: Outplaying $19M/year teammate Fred Warner statistically
The System-Proof Performers
5. James Bradberry (CB, Eagles)
Lockdown Evidence:
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45% completion allowed (3rd best)
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0 TDs given up in 14 games
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Playing 92% of snaps (No maintenance)
The Disrespect: Not mentioned among CB elite despite better numbers than Surtain/Woolen
6. Tyler Boyd (WR, Bengals)
Slot Dominance:
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84% catch rate (Best among WRs)
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38 first downs (More than Higgins)
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$8M/year (52nd among WRs)
The Truth: NFL’s most reliable 3rd down weapon
The Next Breakout Candidates
7. Trey McBride (TE, Cardinals)
Post-Ertz Emergence:
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68 catches (2nd among TEs)
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89.3% catch rate (Unheard of for TE)
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543 yards after contact (Leads position)
The Future: On pace to shatter TE efficiency records
By The Numbers: Underrated vs. Overrated
| Metric | Most Underrated | Most Overrated |
|---|---|---|
| QB Pressures | Alex Highsmith (56) | [Big Name] (32) |
| WR Separation | Tyler Boyd (3.1 yds) | [Star WR] (2.3 yds) |
| CB Completion % | Bradberry (45%) | [Pro Bowler] (58%) |
Data from NFL News advanced metrics
Why These Players Get Overlooked
Market Size Matters
Small-market stars get 73% less coverage per study
Fantasy Football Bias
Non-sexy positions (OL, LB) ignored
Highlight Reel Culture
Consistency less valued than flash plays
Contract Steals Keeping GMs Employed
Best Value Contracts
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James Bradberry: $10M/year for CB1 production
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Tyler Boyd: $8M for elite slot work
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Dre Greenlaw: $8M for top-5 LB play
Upcoming Payday Alerts
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Alex Highsmith due $25M+ extension
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Christian Darrisaw entering OT premium territory
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Trey McBride on rookie deal through 2025
Coaches & Scouts Sound Off
Anonymous AFC Scout:
“Highsmith would be DPOY candidate on any other team. His technique is flawless.”
NFC Position Coach:
“Darrisaw is the best lineman nobody talks about. Our gameplan starts with neutralizing him.”
How to Properly Evaluate Underrated Talent
Watch All-22 Film
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Focus on consistent technique
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Note assignment-sound plays
Study Advanced Metrics
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PFF grades
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Next Gen Stats separation/coverage data
Contextualize Production
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Quality of competition
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Scheme limitations
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Supporting cast
Future Stars Flying Under Radar
2025 Breakout Candidates
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Jaquan Brisker (S, Bears)
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Greg Rousseau (EDGE, Bills)
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Jahan Dotson (WR, Commanders)
Why Recognizing These Players Matters
Fantasy Football Advantages
Finding late-round values like McBride wins championships
Betting Market Edges
Underrated defenses provide line Value NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024
Read More: NFL Super Bowl 2025 Predictions: Early Favorites, Dark Horses & Potential Matchups
Real Football Impact
These players decide close playoff games
For weekly underrated player spotlights and contract analysis, visit NFL News – their “Hidden Value” series is revolutionizing how we evaluate talent.
Who’s YOUR most underrated player? Make the case in the comments!
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