Football Thoughts

8/1/08
Top Five Most Underrated Players
Which NFL top players find a way to sneak under the radar?

5.) Jermaine Phillips- S Tampa Buccaneers
- The Georgia safety was a fifth round pick in 2002, and took the place of legendary Buccaneer safety John Lynch when he went to Denver in 2004. Phillips has had a rather silent career, but really burst into the scene in 2007 and even recorded a career high four interceptions, one sack, and a solid 83 tackles. He is key part of a very dominate Buccaneers defense, which ranked second in the entire NFL in 2007. Next to him at free safety is Tanard Jackson, who can also be recognized as a very low profile all around top safety as well. This duo should go into next season with a lot more experience with each other, and should remain as one of the top young duos in the NFL today.

4.) Jerricho Cotchery- WR New York Jets
- The second receiver in New York really “jets” under the radar. The “other” New York team doesn’t get as much hype as the other, for good reason. The Giants did win the Super Bowl, so you have to figure the Jets will be a step behind. Anyways, this is a good reason for the lack of media attention on Jet receiver Jerricho Cotchery. He has increased his stats every year since he has been in the league, and he should remain as one of Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens favorite targets. He finally passed the 1000 yard mark last season, but even though his touchdown total took a hit, they should increase with a better steadier quarterback situation. He won’t always be the best fantasy football option, but he is a quarterback’s best friend and is one of the league’s best catchers.

3.) Hunter Hillenmeyer- OLB Chicago Bears
- When you think Chicago, you think defense, and yes it’s loaded with stars. You have cornerback Nathan Vasher, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, and defensive tackle Tommie Harris. The linebackers are even better. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is an all pro, and the same thing can be said for outside linebacker Lance Briggs, but people forget who the other starter is on that unit. Hillenmeyer is a very smart athletic player who operates the outside extremely well, paving the way for Urlacher and Briggs. He completed a career high 78 tackles in 2007, and if he remains healthy he should have another solid season in 2008.

2.) Jerious Norwood- RB Atlanta Falcons
- Why do the Falcons refuse to give this man the rock? The backup in Atlanta his an astonishing 6.2 yards per carry, yet they still refuse to give him the carries he deserves. What do they do repay him for his great two seasons in the backup role? They sign other speed runner Michael Turner out of San Diego, Michael Turner. Supposedly reports coming out of camp are saying his carries will increase this season with an “improved” offensive line, and one of the best run blocking tight ends in the league Mark Bruener. However, the word “increase” can be misleading. How many are they planning on? They still have Turner there, who was just given a large contract which will not be used for him to sit and watch Norwood. I still believe though they should give the man a chance, considering he is one of the most underrated and most explosive players in the league.

1.) Fred Bennett- CB Houston Texans
- A lot of people recognize the Texans best cover corner as Dunta Robinson, but behind, or possibly even ahead of him, is the fourth round pick out of South Carolina in 2007 Fred Bennett. Last year, Bennett went up against pass happy teams such as the Colts and Browns, and was still able to lead the league in yards per attempt with players over 60 attempts with 4.7 yards. He has only started eight games thus far, but has still proven to the team and the league for that matter that he has emerged as one of the NFL’s best cover corners. Expect more people to recognize him when he completes his first full season in 2008. With Dunta Robinson going down to injury, Benett may see a lot more time in the number one corner back slot, giving him even more recognition which he deserves.