The NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024: 7 Game-Changers Flying Under the Radar

While superstar names dominate headlines, the The NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024 true competitive advantage often comes from unheralded players delivering elite production at bargain prices. After reviewing all-22 film, advanced metrics, and coaching tendencies, we’ve identified seven players having career years without proper recognition. These aren’t your typical Pro Bowl snubs—they’re the NFL’s most valuable under-the-radar contributors who are quietly shaping playoff races.

What Makes a Player Truly Underrated?

Before revealing our selections, let’s establish criteria:

• Not a Pro Bowler last 2 seasons

• Earning less than $10M annually

• Never featured in national ad campaigns

• Outperforming household names at their position

According to analysis from NFL Newsz, underrated players typically share these traits:

• 73% were Day 3 draft picks or undrafted

• 82% play for teams outside the Top 10 media markets

• 91% have contracts ranking outside their position’s Top 15

1. Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins

Why He’s Dominating:

• Leads all TEs in yards after catch (247)

• 89.3% catch rate (1st among TEs with 30+ targets)

• Creating mismatches in Mike McDaniel’s motion-heavy scheme

Stat That Screams Star: Smith’s 3.14 yards per route run would rank 1st all-time for TEs if maintained

Contract Crime: 2 years, $8.5M (TE25 salary)

2. D.J. Reed, CB, New York Jets

Lockdown Evidence:

• Allowing 0.47 yards per coverage snap (2nd among CBs)

• 37% completion rate when targeted

• Playing 92% of snaps despite being “CB2” behind Sauce Gardner

Advanced Metric Marvel: QBs have a 12.3 passer rating targeting Reed—lowest in NFL

Market Injustice: 3 years, $33M (CB32 money)

3. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Tennessee Titans

Tackling Machine:

• 78 tackles (2nd in NFL)

• 0 missed tackles all season

• Calling defensive adjustments for top-10 unit

Hidden Value: Played 100% of defensive snaps in 6 of 7 games

Steal Alert: 1 year, $5M (LB45 salary)

4. Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins

Disruptor Profile:

• 18 QB pressures (3rd among DTs)

• 2 forced fumbles

• Anchoring NFL’s most improved run defense

Efficiency Monster: 13.5% pressure rate (higher than Chris Jones)

Contract Outrage: 3 years, $30M (DT28 salary)

5. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Third-Down King:

• 24 first downs on 28 catches

• 158.3 passer rating when targeted

• Playing 83% of snaps despite Chase/Higgins presence

Clutch Gene: 9 catches on 4th down (most in NFL)

Salary Crime: 1 year, $4M (WR64 money)

6. Kyle Dugger, S, New England Patriots

Swiss Army Knife:

• 3 INTs, 2 sacks, 1 TD

• Playing 58% of snaps in box, 32% at deep safety

• Allowed just 4.3 yards per target

Versatility Metric: Lines up at 5+ positions weekly

Pay Discrepancy: $3.2M (S47 salary)

7. Jon Greenard, EDGE, Houston Texans

Breakout Proof:

• 7 sacks (T-5th in NFL)

• 19 QB hits (4th among edge rushers)

• Key to Texans’ defensive turnaround

Pressure Consistency: At least 3 QB pressures in every game

Market Value: $4M (EDGE52 salary)

Why These Players Remain Overlooked

Market Size Matters

5 of 7 play in bottom-12 media markets
Only 12% of national coverage mentions them weekly

Fantasy Football Bias

4 of 7 play non-fantasy-relevant positions (LB, S, DT)
TE/WR stuck behind bigger names in offenses

Contract Status

Average salary rank at position: 38th
Combined career earnings less than Davante Adams’ 2024 cap hit

Coaches & Scouts Sound Off

Anonymous quotes from NFL personnel:

*”Jonnu Smith is the best bargain in football. He’d be a top-3 paid TE if he hit free agency tomorrow.”* — AFC West Scout The NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024

“D.J. Reed would start for 31 teams. He’s just stuck behind the best corner in football.” — NFC East DB Coach

“Sieler does the dirty work that lets Chubb/Phillips eat. Classic case of stats not telling the story.” — AFC Executive

Fantasy & Betting Implications

Waiver Wire Targets

• Jonnu Smith (TE5 in PPR formats)

• Tyler Boyd (WR3 with WR2 upside in any Chase/Higgins absence)

Prop Bet Opportunities

• Azeez Al-Shaair OVER 8.5 tackles (hit in 5 of 7 games)

• Zach Sieler ANYTIME sack (+350 value in favorable matchups)

Historical Precedent for Late Breakouts

Studying past underrated stars shows these players could be headed for paydays:

2025 Free Agent Forecast

Projected market values for our underrated stars:

• Jonnu Smith: 3 years, $36M

• D.J. Reed: 4 years, $68M

• Zach Sieler: 3 years, $45M

How to Properly Evaluate Underrated Talent

Scouts recommend focusing on:

1. Snap Consistency (Are they always on field in key moments?)

2. Scheme Versatility (How many roles do they fill?)

3. Clutch Metrics (Performance in high-leverage situations)

4. Teammate Impact (Do starters miss time when they’re out?)

Why This Matters for Your Team

Identifying underrated players helps:

• Fantasy managers find waiver wire gold

• Sports bettors spot mispriced props

• Dynasty builders locate next breakout stars

• Casual fans appreciate football’s hidden complexities

Read More: NFL’s Biggest Draft Steals of 2024: Rookies Outperforming Their Draft Position

Final Verdict: NFL’s Most Valuable Bargains

The NFL’s Most Underrated Players 2024, While casual fans obsess over quarterback dramas and diva receivers, these seven players are quietly putting together All-Pro caliber seasons at basement prices. Their teams’ playoff hopes hinge on these unsung heroes continuing to outperform their paychecks.

For more hidden gems and expert NFL analysis, bookmark NFL Newsz—your home for football insights the mainstream media misses.

Who’s your pick for most underrated player? Did we miss anyone? Sound off in the comments!