Ravens LB Pernell McPhee the Hidden Gem of the 2015 NFL Free-Agent Market

When one ponders the 2015 NFL free-agent class, there are names that likely supersede all others and pop to the forefront of the mind.

Players such as Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (among others) have dominated discussions and invaded the consciousness and with good reason—all are elite players capable of elevating a franchise. 

But there is one player who isn't receiving the fanfare that he should—one for whom the bells and whistles surely await...along with a fat stack of cash.

That man is Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee. And whether you believe it or not, he represents the hidden gem of the free-agent market.

Some of you might be asking yourselves: "Who in the world is Pernell McPhee?" Well, it's our job to enlighten you to his impending greatness—which is closer to fruition than you think.

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Despite the fact that he was a situational player last year in Baltimore, the 26-year-old McPhee managed 7.5 sacks and was enough of a disruptive force that he was ranked as Pro Football Focus' second-best 3-4 outside linebacker. He finished above studs such as teammate Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, Green Bay's Julius Peppers and New England's Chandler Jones.

In McPhee's four-year career, the Ravens are 12-3 in games in which he's recorded a sack. He brought down Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs and nearly helped the Ravens pull off a titanic upset. McPhee also hasn't missed a game in two campaigns and has only missed four games in four seasons. 

In the NFL, two types of players are lavished with the most exorbitant contracts: quarterbacks and pass-rushers. McPhee falls squarely into the latter category—and there's no question he's about to get paid, as NFL Network's Albert Breer noted:

In truth, it's McPhee's versatility that sets him apart. His size/speed combo (6'2", 280 lbs) is remarkable, and it allows him to line up and make an impact from different spots on defense. His strength allows him to excel with his hand on the ground, and he has enough speed to rush the passer from a standing position.

He also plays the game with brute force, as if he's being controlled in the game Madden by an overzealous 15-year-old who can't stop jamming the hit-stick button.

McPhee also finished 2014 with a positive grade against the run from Pro Football Focus, so he isn't a one-trick pony capable of only rushing the passer. That will only increase his value on the market—and the impact he'll make in 2015 and beyond.

In the wake of Baltimore's season-ending loss to New England, McPhee told Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, "Yes, I pray to God I’ll be back. I love Baltimore. That’s the part of the business they handle. I just handle the business on the field."

Don't get too ecstatic just yet, Ravens fans—it's very much up in the air that McPhee will indeed return to the Charm City. In fact, the more likely scenario is that he'll break the bank elsewhere. The fact of the matter is that McPhee will surely command a larger contract than the Ravens—who currently possess only $430,000 in cap space—can feasibly afford.

Is it within the realm of possibility that the Ravens could make enough corresponding moves to clear sufficient space to re-sign McPhee? Sure. But it's also within the realm of possibility that Peyton Manning will play quarterback next year for the New York Jets. Don't count on it happening.

Indeed, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com ranked McPhee as his 10th-best free agent and opined that the Ravens won't be able to retain him.

Just imagine what McPhee could bring to the table for your favorite team: a young, fast, powerful pass-rusher who is also adept against the run—and one that comes without excessive wear-and-tear, as he's only started six games in his NFL career. When combing over those facts, it's easy to see why McPhee is going to be such a valued commodity. 

As far as the dollar amount that McPhee could receive: Former NFL agent CBSSports.com's Joel Corry wrote that McPhee could receive a deal similar to the one signed by Cleveland Browns linebacker Paul Kruger two years ago (five years, $40.5 million, $20 million guaranteed). We wouldn't be surprised if the numbers were even greater than that.

Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com even posited that an NFL franchise might seek to build its defense around McPhee's varied talents, which speaks to McPhee's overall excellence. 

Yes, there are other defensive players on the market who are more celebrated than McPhee. And in fairness, guys such as Suh, Revis and Houston deserve to be celebrated for what they've accomplished on the field in their careers.

But McPhee's time is now. When you look at his overall body of work, his skill set, his age and his clean bill of health—and juxtapose it next to the fact that nobody is talking about him or pumping him up—and you can see why he's undoubtedly the hidden gem of the 2015 NFL free-agent class.

 

Nick Kostos is a featured NFL columnist for Bleacher Report and a host for Bleacher Report Radio on SiriusXM. Follow Nick on Twitter here.