Most Overrated Player on Every NFL Team's Roster

Every NFL team has now passed the midway point in its 2013 schedule, which means we should have a good idea of where the players on each roster stand.

Some players appear to be franchise-building pieces, while other have become increasingly expendable. Some have emerged as surprising superstars, while still more have failed to meet lofty preseason expectations.

Somewhere in the middle of these extremes exist the players on this list.

We're talking about those players who appear to be franchise-caliber material, but who have failed to meet those expectations on the field.

We're talking about the league's overrated.

The players on the following list are not necessarily bad. However, each represents his team as a player who doesn't quite appear deserving of the accolades, the money or the highlight placement he has received at this point in his career.

Arizona Cardinals

Rashard Mendenhall, RB

After 2012 NFL Coach of the Year Bruce Arians took over as head man with the Arizona Cardinals, he didn't waste time bringing in one of his former players to help the team.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall, who spent time under Arians in Pittsburgh, was expected to add a physical running presence to Arizona's new-look offense. However, it has been rookie Clemson product Andre Ellington, not Mendenhall, who has made the game-changing plays for the Cardinals this season.

Ellington has more yards (388) than Mendenhall (323) and more than double the yards-per-carry average (7.2, as opposed to Mendenhall's 3.1).

Yet Arians continues to back Mendenhall as his starter, which means the sixth-year back is overvalued by the one person in position to make a change.

Atlanta Falcons

Steven Jackson, RB

For years, running back Steven Jackson was the St. Louis Rams offense. He was consistently productive despite playing for the oft-struggling franchise, which is why the Atlanta Falcons thought he would be perfect for their team.

How could the nine-year veteran not be productive with Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones keeping defenses off the line of scrimmage with the vertical passing game?

Well, for starters, Jackson has struggled with injuries. He has already missed four games this season, tied for the most in a season for his career, and has rushed for a career-low 3.2 yards per carry.

It is worth noting that Atlanta's offensive line is not an elite unit, and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter isn't exactly committed to pounding the ball with Jackson (he has just 47 carries through five games).

Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco, QB

People are going to take notice when a quarterback goes on a playoff run, ties Joe Montana and Kurt Warner for the postseason touchdown record and takes home Super Bowl MVP honors.

For Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, that attention earned him a brand new $120.6 million contract.

The problem for Baltimore is that Flacco hasn't appeared to be worth that money since. He's completed just 50 percent of his passes this season and has a not-so-MVP-like 77.3 passer rating through nine games. In Pro Football Focus' (subscription required) overall quarterback rankings, he is the 35th-rated quarterback this season.

Of course, none of this matters if the 4-5 Ravens find a way back into the playoffs and Flacco produces another legitimate run.

Buffalo Bills

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Jairus Byrd, FS

Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd was once considered a building block for the franchise's future. Then he held out on signing his franchise tender, missed five games with a foot injury and was the subject of much midseason trade speculation.

Buffalo may wish it had been able to get something in return for Byrd after the season, as the pending free agent may not be back and the team may not want him back at his asking price.

In the five games he has played, Byrd has produced just 20 total tackles and one interception. This amounts to 64 tackles and three picks over the course of a full 16-game season.

These are respectable numbers for a free safety, but the numbers are hardly those of an elite defensive playmaker.

Carolina Panthers

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Steve Smith, WR

Carolina Panthers wideout Steve Smith remains one of the most passionate and physical players in the league. However, his time as an elite wide receiver may be at an end.

Smith is on pace to miss the 1,000-yard mark for the first time since 2010 and has become more of a role player in Carolina's run-oriented offense.

He is currently ranked 31st among wide receivers by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He also has just three touchdowns on the year, and four passes intended for Smith have resulted in interceptions, according to PFF.

Chicago Bears

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Jermon Bushrod, T

The Chicago Bears made it a priority to sign free agent tackle Jermon Bushrod during the 2013 offseason.

The team inked him to a $35.9 million deal with the hopes that he would anchor a vastly-improved offensive line and help provide quarterback Jay Cutler with the best pass-protection of his career.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Bushrod is graded as the 59th-best pass-blocking tackle in football through 10 weeks.

He has allowed two sacks, six quarterback hits and 26 quarterback hurries in nine games this season, which definitely doesn't justify the type of money the Bears have invested in him.

Cincinnati Bengals

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Andy Dalton, QB

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton helped guide his team to the playoff in each of his first two seasons.

He also fell flat on his face in the two postseason contests (41-of-72 for 384 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions in the two games combined).

He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month this October and then went on throw just two touchdowns and six interceptions in the two games since (both losses).

Inconsistency appears to be the biggest issue with the former TCU star, and the Bengals must legitimately question whether or not he is the long-term answer at quarterback.

While Dalton can produce some big games when the team is playing well, he rarely takes over a game by himself. This is part of the reason Pro Football Focus (subscription required) as the 27th-best quarterback in the league, even though some seem to believe the third-year man is on his way to elite status.

Cleveland Browns

Joe Haden, CB

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden is often touted as the best player on his team and a possible candidate to become the league's next great cover corner. While the potential is there for him to become an All-Pro player, he isn't there yet.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he is rated as the league's 28th-best coverage corner. Opposing quarterbacks have completed more than half of their passes to receivers covered by Haden for 305 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception.

The notion that quarterbacks simply do not challenge Haden is also untrue, as only 10 cornerbacks have been thrown at more.

Dallas Cowboys

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Morris Claiborne, CB

The sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne was supposed to develop into the backbone of the secondary. Instead, he's spent the past year and a half dealing with injuries, inconsistencies and struggles while trying to adapt to the pro game.

It is worth noting that several recent first-round cornerbacks (think Dre Kirkpatrick and Dee Milliner) have had a difficult time living up to their draft status.

Claiborne is rated as the 84th-best cornerback in football by Pro Football Focus (subscription required), which is not what the Cowboys envisioned when they traded up to get him last spring.

Denver Broncos

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Eric Decker, WR

Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker already has 49 receptions, 721 yards and three touchdowns this season.

So how on earth is he overrated?

For starters, one must consider that he is catching passes from all-universe quarterback Peyton Manning, who is on pace to shatter numerous single-season passing records. One must also realize that Decker is the third-best wideout on his own team.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Decker is ranked 63rd among NFL wide receivers. By comparison, teammates and Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welkerare ranked seventh and eighth, respectively.

Detroit Lions

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Brandon Pettigrew, TE

At 6'5" and 265 pounds, Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew should be one of those playmaking tight ends that are all the rage these days.

When you consider his size and the fact that wideout Calvin Johnson regularly commands the attention of opposing defenses, it is surprising how ineffective Pettigrew can be at times.

Through nine games, he's logged 31 receptions for just 295 yards and one touchdown.

A decade ago, those would be respectable numbers for a starting tight end. However, they are hardly the numbers of an elite tight end in today's pass-driven league and do not reflect Pettigrew's status as a former first-round pick.

Green Bay Packers

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James Jones, WR

Green Bay Packers wideout James Jones was expected to take over the role of Greg Jennings, who left during the offseason for the Minnesota Vikings.

While Jones has been productive when healthy (410 yards, two touchdowns), he has not been the dynamic game-changer that he was expected to be. Instead, that role has gone to Jordy Nelson, who's carried the team with 49 receptions, 772 yards and seven scores through nine games.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Nelson is rated the fourth-best receiver in all of football. Jones is ranked a disappointing 57th.

Houston Texans

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Ed Reed, FS

The fact that the Houston Texans have already cut ties with former Baltimore Ravens star Ed Reed shows just how overrated his addition during the offseason was.

Reed was expected to anchor the back end of a championship-caliber defense. However, Houston has struggled as a team and Reed's presence never seemed to raise the bar in the secondary.

In seven appearances (five starts) he produced just 16 tackles with no passes defended and no turnovers.

Indianapolis Colts

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Trent Richardson, RB

When the Cleveland Browns traded starting back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts earlier this season, many felt that the former first-round pick would thrive in his new home.

So far, though, Richardson looks like the same average back he was in Cleveland. He has rushed for just 250 yards and two touchdowns in seven games with the Colts and has averaged just 2.8 yards per carry.

While it may be time to lower Richardson's expectations, the fact that two teams have given up a first-round selection to acquire him shows just how overrated he's been.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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Maurice Jones-Drew, RB

Let's be honest, it is difficult to consider anyone on the 1-8 Jacksonville Jaguars roster as overrated. However, running back Maurice Jones-Drew is probably the only team member who remains a household name (and began the season as a top fantasy target).

While Jones-Drew has managed to rush for 432 yards and three scores through nine games this season, he has done so on an average of just 3.0 yards per carry.

Before the trade deadline, there was speculation that the Jaguars might try to deal their longtime star running back. Nothing materialized, and it appears that Jones-Drew will spend his final season in Jacksonville watching his team vie for the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft.

Kansas City Chiefs

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Dexter McCluster, RB/WR

Kansas City Chiefs utility player Dexter McCluster makes big plays. Unfortunately, he doesn't make enough of them to justify his status as a former second-round draft selection.

This season, McCluster has seen a reduced role in Andy Reid's system and has seen a drop in production because of it. He has just six yards on six carries and 262 yards on 25 receptions through nine games.

This is decent production for a role player, but it's not the type of production needed from a player who once looked to be a part of the Chiefs' long-term offensive plan (he will be a free agent following the 2013 season).

Miami Dolphins

Mike Wallace, WR

Free-agent addition Mike Wallace came to Miami this past offseason amid much fanfare and celebration.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers standout was expected to immediately step in as the Dolphins' No. 1 receiver and to provide an elite downfield target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

While Wallace has shown flashes of production, he has been anything but elite. He's provided 495 yards receiving and just one touchdown through nine games, and his 12.4 yards-per-receptions average is the lowest of his career.

It isn't fair to say that Wallace has been a bust in his new home. However, his production hasn't been enough to live up to expectations and certainly does not justify his massive $60 million contract.

Minnesota Vikings

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Greg Jennings, WR

During the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings gave former Green Bay Packers wideout Greg Jennings a $45 million contract ($17.8 million guaranteed) with the hope that he could take their passing offense to the next level.

He hasn't.

While it's important to remember that the Vikings have started three different quarterbacks this season, Jennings has hardly lived up to his hefty price tag. Through nine games, he's produced just 34 receptions for 410 yards and two scores—hardly the production expected from a No. 1 receiver.

New England Patriots

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Danny Amendola, WR

In a surprise move, the New England Patriots allowed wideout Wes Welker to walk during the offseason.

His replacement, Danny Amendola, was given a fat five-year, $31 million contract to come in and ease the transition to a Welker-less offense.

Unfortunately, the Patriots have had to spend much of the season with Amendola out of the lineup, as injuries continue to be an issue for him. He's appeared in just five games this season and has provided 23 receptions for 296 yards and one touchdown.

Welker, meanwhile, has amassed 53 receptions for 576 yards and nine scores over in Denver.

New Orleans Saints

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Mark Ingram, RB

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram had the best game of his career last week against the Dallas Cowboys (145 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries). However, he continues to be a disappointment as a former first-round draft choice.

Ingram has appeared in just four games this season (one start) and has run for 195 yards, with last week's touchdown his only score.

In the three games before Week 10, he averaged just 2.4 yards per carry for 50 total yards and no touchdowns.

New York Giants

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Eli Manning, QB

How long will the New York Giants allow quarterback Eli Manning to rest on the laurels of his two Super Bowl victories?

Manning has been a disaster for the struggling Giants in 2013. He's completed just 55.6 percent of his passes for 2,307 yards, 11 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

This puts Manning on pace for 28 interceptions this season, which would mark the fifth time in his 10-year career that he has thrown 17 or more picks in a single season.

New York Jets

Geno Smith, QB

New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith has received a great deal of praise this season for helping the team achieve a surprising 5-4 start.

The Jets, who many expected to fail miserably this season, currently hold the AFC's sixth and final wild-card spot with seven games left to play.

Smith does deserve some credit for his sometimes veteran-like play. However, he appears to be a mere role player in New York's unexpected push and not its orchestrator.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he is actually the league's 38th-rated quarterback. This suggests that the Jets defense, coaching staff and competent running game have had more of an impact on the season than Smith has.

He has simply been better than his predecessor, Mark Sanchez.

Oakland Raiders

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Darren McFadden, RB

It's hard to argue that Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden isn't one of the most physically-gifted athletes in today's NFL.

It is also difficult to argue that he isn't one of the league's most fragile.

McFadden has missed 27 games since being drafted in 2008 and has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark only once in his career (1,157 yards in 2012). This season, he has rushed for just 352 yards on 98 carries (an average of 3.6 yards per carry) with four touchdowns and one lost fumble.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Riley Cooper, WR

Philadelphia Eagles wideout Riley Cooper has played a big role in Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense. The fourth-year receiver has amassed 555 yards on just 28 receptions (and average of 19.8 yards per catch) with seven touchdowns.

However, he is just the 50th-rated wideout in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Quarterbacks have completed just 59.6 percent of passes thrown at him (54th in the league), and his three dropped passes tie him for 49th-best in the NFL in that category.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Le'Veon Bell, RB

The Pittsburgh Steelers made former Michigan State standout Le'Veon Bell a second-round draft pick for a reason. The team hoped the 6'1", 244-pound back would lead the charge back to Pittsburgh's power-rushing roots.

Unfortunately, Bell missed the start of the season with a foot injury and hasn't quite been the back the Steelers hoped he could be since returning. 

He has appeared in six games this season, rushing for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 102 carries. However, his yards-per-carry average of just 3.3 leaves much to be desired and is a far cry from the type of production that used to be considered "Steeler Football."

Bell is currently rated as the 39th-best back in the league by Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

San Diego Chargers

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Manti Te'o, ILB

Entering the 2013 draft, former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o was considered one of the top defensive prospects available. But he has looked like anything but a game-changing defender through the first half of the San Diego Chargers' season.

Te'o hasn't been a complete disappointment, though he did miss the beginning of the season with a foot injury. He has produced 31 tackles in his six appearances (all starts), which is far from terrible for a rookie.

However, he has failed to make the type of game-breaking plays (zero sacks, forced fumbles or interceptions) that the Chargers need him to make if the team is to be considered a legitimate contender.

San Francisco 49ers

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Colin Kaepernick, QB

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was a revelation in 2012, leading his team from a victory in his first career start to within a few plays of a Super Bowl title.

Unfortunately, he has struggled to maintain that success in his second season, and it's starting to appear that the 49ers may have been too quick to dump former starter Alex Smith.

While San Francisco has won six of its nine games this season, Kaepernick has thrown for just 1,675 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. He has thrown for fewer than 150 yards on three separate occasions.

According to Pro Football Focus' quarterback ratings (subscription required), Kaepernick is ranked 30th in the league among quarterbacks overall. That places him behind quarterbacks like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Weeden and, you guessed it, Alex Smith.

Seattle Seahawks

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Bruce Irvin, OLB

After he piled up eight sacks in limited action as a rookie, the first-round selection of linebacker Bruce Irvin by the Seattle Seahawks looked like a genius move.

However, Irvin has fallen to earth in his second season and hasn't been what the team had hoped for as a starter.

For one, he hurt his team by earning himself a four-game PED suspension to start the season.

Irvin has started all six games since his return and has produced 25 tackles and two sacks as a full-time player. Those are decent numbers. But they project to 66 tackles and five sacks over the course of a full 16-game schedule—not the numbers expected from a former first-round selection.

St. Louis Rams

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Janoris Jenkins, CB

St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins made noise as a rookie in 2012 by swatting 14 passes, intercepting four and returning three of them for touchdowns. But his coverage skills simply aren't those of an elite pass-defender.

Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Jenkins ranks a disappointing 91st in pass coverage among the league's cornerbacks. He is credited with allowing 553 yards receiving and five touchdowns to receivers he has covered, which is far from elite.

The fact that he has not made game-changing plays this season (just one interception, returned for five yards) further suggests that his amazing rookie season was an anomaly.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Doug Martin, RB

It may be a little unfair to consider second-year back Doug Martin overrated considering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently placed him on injured reserve. However, the fact that the Buccaneers have run well (and picked up their first win) with him out of the lineup suggests that he may just be a product of the system.

Though he appeared in just six games this season, Martin is ranked as the league's 52nd-best running back by Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

His replacements, Mike James and Brian Leonard, are currently ranked 13th and 18th, respectively.

Tennessee Titans

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Chris Johnson, RB

There was a time when Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson was considered one of the top offensive players in all of football.

That time has passed.

While Johnson is still on pace to approach the 1,000-yard mark this season, he has run for a career-low 3.6 yards per carry.

His numbers through nine games (546 yards rushing, 230 yards receiving and four total scores) are not exactly bad. However, they are far from what fans have come to expect from the man known as CJ2K. In fact, it has been four years since Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards, and the mere fact that some still refer to him as CJ2K is reason enough to consider him overrated.

Washington Redskins

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DeAngelo Hall, CB

Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall continues to be considered one of the league's better pass-defenders.

Considering Washington's defensive struggles this season (ranked 31st, allowing 31.9 points per game), it is hard to imagine why.

While Hall has produced 50 tackles, two forced fumbles and three interceptions through nine games, he hasn't performed like an elite pro cornerback. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he is actually the league's 76th-ranked cornerback overall.