Ranking the NFL's Least Talented but Most Productive Players

The NFL is filled with players who have elite speed, elite strength and elite explosion. Guys like Calvin Johnson and DeMarcus Ware dazzle with explosive plays on a weekly basis.

Then there are guys who just keep chugging along. They might not make the same splashy plays, but they just keep showing up on the stat sheet.

These players don't have the elite athleticism that most NFL players have, but through effort, intelligence or moxie, they've made a big impact in the NFL.

Kyle Vanden Bosch

Kyle Vanden Bosch doesn't have elite speed, and his strength is only slightly above average. One look into his mean, red eyes, though, and his solid production throughout his career is no surprise.

When describing Vanden Bosch, one word comes to mind—relentless. Vanden Bosch will fight and scrape until he finally makes the play.

That tenacity has led to two double-digit sack campaigns for Vanden Bosch, and he's still getting it done, with eight sacks last year.

Vanden Bosch has also been instrumental in the development of the Detroit Lions' young defense. With his leadership, the Lions' defense should continue to improve.

London Fletcher

London Fletcher might be as well known for his lack of size as his production, but he is still renowned for his high quality of play.

Despite a lack of size and only average athleticism, Fletcher's elite instincts have helped him rack up tackles in a way that few others can.

Fletcher has logged over 110 tackles every single season in his career since tackles were recorded as an official stat. He's even been a quality pass-rushing option, with 34 sacks in his career.

All in all, Fletcher plays the way a linebacker is meant to play. With just a little more athletic ability, Fletcher would probably be one of the best linebackers to ever play the game. As is, he is still a potential Hall of Fame candidate.

Sean Lee

Sean Lee is the prototypical Penn State linebacker with average size and average athleticism, but a huge heart and great instincts.

Every NFL draft seems to feature a Penn State linebacker with marginal athletic ability but excellent production and intangibles.

Sean Lee was perhaps the least highly touted of a group of PSU backers that featured Dan Connor and Paul Posluszny, but he may be the best of the bunch, behind Navorro Bowman at least.

Lee had over 100 tackles last year, along with four interceptions—truly Pro Bowl quality numbers. Lee will only get better with age, and he could be in line to have a career similar to Zach Thomas or Keith Brooking. 

Jabar Gaffney

Jabar Gaffney took a long time to get started, but the past two years he has gone for over 60 catches and 800 yards for two different teams. 

He managed this despite marginal athleticism and a career of mediocre production. Whatever change Gaffney made worked, and he has been a very good possession-type receiver the past two years.

Gaffney has since moved on to his third team in three years, but he stands to be a productive receiver for the New England Patriots this season. His strong hands will be a nice addition to the Pats' receiving corps.

Dennis Pitta

Dennis Pitta was the second tight end that the Baltimore Ravens drafted in 2010, but his ability to pick up first downs is unparalleled for the Ravens.

Pitta only has average size and marginal athleticism, but he has a great feel for the game and fantastic hands.

He's quickly becoming a favorite of Ravens' fans and quarterback Joe Flacco.

When Ed Dickson's hands proved unreliable, Pitta became the go-to target on third down for the Ravens, so Pitta will be in line for an expanded role in 2012.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ryan Fitzpatrick will never be a top-tier NFL quarterback, but he still manages to put up incredible numbers considering his talent level.

Fitzpatrick has marginal arm strength and decision-making abilities, but he manages to produce with good mobility and incredible moxie.

While Fitzpatrick's moxie can get him in trouble at times—as evidenced by his 23 interceptions—it can also help him make plays that he has no business making.

Fitzpatrick can makes some truly incredible plays at times, threading the ball through the tightest of needles.

With close to 4,000 yards in 2011, Fitzpatrick has a chance to make an even larger stride in 2012 with a decent receiving corps and an improving offensive line.