NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024, While superstars dominate headlines, championship teams are built on the backs of underappreciated talents. Our exhaustive film study and analytics deep dive reveal the 10 most underrated NFL players entering the 2024 season – the difference-makers who don’t get the recognition they deserve.
The Underrated Player Criteria
To identify these hidden gems, we evaluated:
✔ Consistent elite performance without Pro Bowl nods
✔ Advanced metrics vs. name recognition disparity
✔ Salary vs. production value
✔ Team impact beyond traditional stats
Featuring exclusive data from NFL NewsZ and Pro Football Focus analytics, this is the definitive guide to football’s most overlooked talents.
Offensive Underrated Stars
1. Tyler Boyd, WR – Cincinnati Bengals
Why He’s Underrated:
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6 straight 700+ yard seasons (only 1 Pro Bowl)
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87.3% catch rate on contested targets (3rd among WRs)
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Played 94% of snaps in 3-WR sets despite Chase/Higgins hype
2023 Hidden Impact:
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23 first downs on 3rd/4th down (more than Deebo Samuel)
2. Sam Cosmi, RG – Washington Commanders
Breakdown:
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Allowed just 1 sack in 578 pass blocks
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92.3% run block win rate (2nd among guards)
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Went from tackle bust to elite guard NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024
Contract Value:
Earning $2.3M annually (45th among guards)
(For more OL analysis, visit NFL NewsZ)
Defensive Hidden Weapons
3. Kamren Curl, S – Washington Commanders
By The Numbers:
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0 TDs allowed in coverage (480 snaps)
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89.2 PFF coverage grade (1st among safeties)
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Played LB, slot, and deep safety roles
Market Value:
Should command $14M+/year but remains under radar
4. Alex Highsmith, EDGE – Pittsburgh Steelers
Production:
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22 sacks last 2 seasons (more than Nick Bosa in 2023)
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27% pass rush win rate (5th among edge rushers)
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Overshadowed by T.J. Watt
Advanced Metrics:
Forced 14 QB hurries on stunts (most in NFL)
Special Teams Game-Changers
5. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB – Detroit Lions
Impact:
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23 special teams tackles (led NFL)
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Forced 4 fumbles on coverage units
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Played just 18 defensive snaps but made Pro Bowl
Coach Quote:
“Best gunner I’ve seen since Steve Tasker” – Dan Campbell
The Underrated QB
6. Geno Smith, QB – Seattle Seahawks
Reality Check:
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7.1% big-time throw rate (higher than Mahomes)
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69.4% completion under pressure (1st in NFL)
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Earns $25M/year (18th among QBs)
2023 Clutch Stats:
8 game-winning drives (2nd most)
Why These Players Matter More Than Ever
In the 2024 salary cap era ($255.4M), finding underrated talent is crucial because:
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Allows teams to spend big on true superstars
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Provides cost-controlled production
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Creates championship-level depth
(For more cap analysis, see PFF’s NFL metrics)
10 Most Underrated Players Summary Table
| Player | Position | Team | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Boyd | WR | CIN | 87.3% contested catch rate |
| Sam Cosmi | RG | WAS | 1 sack allowed |
| Kamren Curl | S | WAS | 0 TDs allowed |
| Alex Highsmith | EDGE | PIT | 27% pass rush win rate |
| Jalen Reeves-Maybin | LB | DET | 23 ST tackles |
| Geno Smith | QB | SEA | 8 GW drives |
| D.J. Reed | CB | NYJ | 53.8% completion allowed |
| Trey Hendrickson | EDGE | CIN | 17.5 sacks (no Pro Bowl) |
| Cole Kmet | TE | CHI | 73 catches (8th among TEs) |
| Dre’Mont Jones | DT | SEA | 19 QB hits |
How Smart Teams Find These Gems
1. Prioritize Versatility
Players like Curl who play multiple positions provide hidden value
2. Target Second Contracts
Many breakout after rookie deals (see: Geno Smith)
3. Mine Special Teams
Reeves-Maybin proves ST prowess translates to roster value
4. Trust Advanced Metrics
Traditional stats often miss true impact
Read More: The Most Shocking NFL Trades of the 2024 Offseason: Winners, Losers, and Franchise-Altering Moves
Final Verdict: The Underrated MVPs
NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024: While casual fans obsess over fantasy stars, these 10 players will quietly determine playoff races and championship windows in 2024. Their teams know their value – now the secret’s out.
For more hidden gem analysis, make NFL NewsZ your daily football destination.
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