2011 NFL Preview: All 32 Teams Under-the-Radar Star
Every team has one. Your favorite team has one, your division rival has one, even the Panthers have one. These are guys that don't get mentioned as up and comers, potential stars, and are often overlooked entirely as opposed to being underrated.
Football is the ultimate team sport, you're only as strong as your weakest link; that's how team sports work. But somewhere between the stars and the liabilities are a bunch of links that are crucial to the team's success and plans, and help make those around them better. Let's see each team's under-the-radar star.
Arizona Cardinals: Greg Toler, CB
1 of 33
Greg Toler is the number two CB on the Cardinals, and he'll be pushed to number three with the addition of Patrick Peterson, but don't discount him keeping his position on the field if there is no offseason.
Toler is a capable starting CB in the NFL, and gets picked on often, because teams fear Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's playmaking ability. Toler always steps up. He had 90 tackles, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. Those numbers are better than his CB counterpart DRC (because of the number of passes thrown against him).
There is an old saying that the best CB's don't put up big stats because nobody throws against them, but sometimes it's just as good to get thrown against, and make the play. Toler is solid against the run, and could be a reason Patrick Peterson ends up as a safety in the NFL.
Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Babineaux, DT
2 of 33
Babineaux isn't a player you hear a lot about, but you should. If you're a fan of the Atlanta Falcons, this guy has to be one of your favorite players. He is constantly disrupting the opposition's offense, in both the passing and the running game.
He might not put up lofty stats, but he's forcing teams to keep blockers inside. That's enough to keep an aging and rapidly declining John Abraham in double digit sacks. Number 95 put up four sacks, forced two fumbles, deflected two passes and is constantly around the ball carrier. He had some trouble getting on the field early on in his career.
I look for him to be a staple of the defense in Atlanta for years. If anything, his potential and talent allowed the Falcons to pass on a defensive lineman in the draft, and trade up for Julio Jones.
Baltimore Ravens: Todd Heap, TE
3 of 33
I know, I know. Todd Heap isn't exactly 'under-the-radar', but he certainly isn't as on the radar as he deserves. Since coming to Baltimore in 2001, he has made play after play for the Ravens. He absolutely makes my top five TE's in the NFL. Heap gets over-looked with the Flacco, Rice, Boldin, McGahee and Mason talent on the roster. And even T.J. Who'sYourMama's signing took even more away from Heap.
But Heap consistently makes plays when needed to. He averaged 15 yards a catch in 2010, with five touchdowns, 40 receptions and 599 receiving yards. In 13 games. If you push his stats for the three extra games, he has 50 receptions, 737 receptions, and six touchdowns. That's just another great year of production from Heap. He's 31, and still putting up consistent numbers.
He doesn't get the credit he deserves in Baltimore. And this slide isn't going to be the difference. He's a fantasy sleeper as well, so if you're one of those guys that throws like a girl and prefers to play fantasy football, you won't be disappointed with Todd Heap.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills: David Nelson, WR
4 of 33
A fourth string, at best, wide receiver. Why is he so crucial to the Bills? For a couple of reasons.
- He allows them to let Lee Evans and his aging legs go after this year.
- He is a big bodied (6'5") deep threat which should stretch the field for Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller to run the ball by keeping the safeties deep.
- He opens up the field for fellow young WR, Steve Johnson.
He is an important piece in this Bills puzzle. When Evans jets to another team, Nelson can step up and fill the void. Allowing the Bills to (potentially) pass on talented WR Justin Blackmon in the 2012 Draft, and finally take a QB.
I know, this sounds like a conspiracy theory, but that's sort of how the NFL works. He also had 31 receptions, 353 Yards, and three touchdowns in just three starts. That's plenty of production for us to assume he will be a vital piece in the following years for the (constantly) rebuilding Bills.
Carolina Panthers: Mike Goodson, RB
5 of 33
Mike Goodson started last year as a third string RB, but he came up big. He allows the Panthers to let Deangelo Williams go, and pair Goodson and Stewart for years to come. They need a potent run game because of their bad receiving corps, (and the best player, Steve Smith, wants out.) rookie QB in Cam Newton, and bad run defense. How the hell do they plan on controlling the clock at all?
When Ron Rivera took this job, he had to have had some sort of offensive plan, that had to have been centered around the run game. in three starts (Much like David Nelson) he had over 700 yards (receiving and rushing), while handling kick return duties.
He will control the field position for the Panthers, and be a big part of the offense with Williams departing through Free Agency. He has fumble issues, but hopefully those are just from a lack of experience.
Chicago Bears: Israel Idonije, DE
6 of 33
Israel Idonije is a name that even NFC North fans don't know. And it blows my mind. He is a very talented DE and benefits greatly from Julius Peppers playing on the other side. Sometimes it's not about making your own plays, it's about making the most of your chances. Israel cashed in. After starting 11 games from 2003-2009, he started all 16 in 2010 and came in in a big way. His eight sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles easily make him a dark horse favorite in Chicago.
While he's hit the horrible age of 30, he hasn't played much, and probably has a lot left in the tank as far as production goes. I would look forward to 3-4 more good years out of Idonije. After all, he's started less than two full seasons worth of games.
Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Johnson, DE
7 of 33
Michael Johnson is an athletic freak. He's Dwight Freeney fast, he stands at 6'7" and weighs in around 270. He has been underachieving but the Bengals love him (and underachievers!). He lines up as a DE in pass rushing situations, and a OLB in different packages. They are finding ways to get him on the field because they are looking for him to blow into the NFL.
He is above average in pass coverage for a guy his size, and provides a burst off the edge. He only tallied up 2.5 sacks last year, and three sacks the year before that. But I believe him and Dunlap will team up and be very similar to the Freeney/Mathis connection in Indianapolis.
I expect them to have a good young defense, and hopefully A.J. Green and Andy Dalton pan out, I like when the Bengals are competitive. It makes things more fun in the AFC North. Look for Michael Johnson to put up 10 sacks this year. I'm not promising anything, but he has 20+ sack potential and would be elite in a 3-4.
I know the Bengals are expecting big things out of the big player.
Cleveland Browns: Ahtyba Rubin, DT
8 of 33
This is why the Phil Taylor pick doesn't make any sense. Rubin is a big 330 pound defensive tackle, and a good one at that. He put up over 80 tackles, had two sacks, and even an interception. And he started in all 16 games for the Browns. They drafted a poor man's him in Phil Taylor.
That's like complimenting a power back with another power back. You just don't see many teams doing well with that strategy. But Rubin is a force up the middle, he is as Pat Williams as you can get.
I expect similar things from him, and the Browns cut Shaun Rodgers because they knew the talent they had in this kid. And if you're like the rest of us and really don't care about the Cleveland Browns, you know it too.
Dallas Cowboys: Victor Butler, OLB
9 of 33
Victor Butler is a fine OLB for the Cowboys. He provides some much needed rotational help to them, and he is explosive. He is possibly better in coverage than Demarcus Ware is, but isn't nearly the pass rusher. In an entire season of taking rotational snaps, Victor Butler put up two sacks, and forced a fumble.
When given some time to play, Butler makes the most of it. The problem is he is sitting behind two very good OLB's on what is a very talented Cowboys roster. He is under-the-radar for that reason alone. He would start on plenty of 3-4 teams, but not his.
The drop off between the starting two guys and Butler exists. But it's got to be a good feeling for the coaching staff to be able to rest Ware and Spencer and not have a huge liability on the field. He keeps the pass rush strong, healthy, and effective.
Unsung hero of that linebacking corps.
Denver Broncos: Jason Hunter, DE
10 of 33
As they make the switch back to the 4-3, having good DE's is critical to the success of that switch. Jason Hunter will be a fine defensive end for them. He started in 12 games, put up 61 tackles, threesacks, an interception, a forced fumble and two pass deflections. He will be a fine DE, and hopefully they pair him up with Robert Ayers, and allow Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil to play the OLB spots.
He will be a force off the edge, he has great lateral agility and quickness and I fully expect him to do well for the Broncos team, who needs as many players as it can get.
Detroit Lions: Maurice Morris, RB
11 of 33
Maurice Morris is a more than capable backup RB, but he does a lot more for the Lions than just give the Best RB rest. Morris is an excellent pass blocker, which in Detroit is a premium considering the franchise (Stafford) has now been hurt twice in the past two years. He managed to grab five touchdowns, 336 yards, and 90 attempts in only seven starts. He is key to the Lions running game.
He and Best compliment each other excellently, and Morris is a hard nose, hard worker that Detroit has to love. This Lions team has a lot to look forward to, Morris is a rare veteran on an otherwise very young team.
Green Bay Packers: James Jones, WR
12 of 33
James Jones is buried on a very talented roster full of talented offensive players. Ryan Grant, Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jermichael Finely and even Jordy Nelson all generally get more recognition than Jones does, but the production doesn't match the spotlight. Jones had 50 receptions, 679 yards, and five touchdowns. He takes the most of his chances, and is a talented down field threat.
He is a free agent, and hopefully they can re-sign him, because Donald Driver isn't getting any younger, and keeping elite talent around is important if you want to win the Super Bowl more than once.
Dynasties last more than a year. Jones is young, talented, and can take over a game at any time.
Houston Texans: Kevin Walter, WR
13 of 33
Since 2007, Kevin Walter has been a staple in the Texans offense, and a crucial part at that. He benefits greatly from Andre Johnson and now Arian Foster, since 2007, he has put up consistently good numbers. He always puts up over 600 yards, and 50 receptions. Consistency is key in the NFL, and Kevin Walter is a great model of consistency. Schaub trusts Walter, and getting the trust of a QB is a lot.
I like Kevin Walter, and I think he's underrated as a player, and often overlooked. Keep an eye out for Walter, he is a lot like Chris Walsh in terms of a skill set, but Walter has much better production.
Indianapolis Colts: Javarris James, RB
14 of 33
When Joseph Addai leaves for free agency, the immediate reaction will be "Who will the Colts play at RB now? Donald Brown doesn't know how to pass block." Well luckily for them they have Javarris James, who is a very smart RB and player. The Colts have to love that, they are always looking for high intelligence guys with good work ethic. James had production to match, he only played in 10 games, and had six touchdowns. He didn't start a single game for the Colts, and still managed to put up decent numbers.
He had only 55 touches, and had 175 yards. I look for him to grow into a split role with Donald Brown, and he should play it well. He's 6'0", 215. He has the build and body to play starting RB in the NFL, and the smarts to play for the Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrance Knighton, DT
15 of 33
If you're a Jaguars fan, you know this guy, If you aren't, you don't. It's that simple. He isn't flashy, he won't make big highlights, but he will consistently make plays and disrupt an offense. He has above average pass rushing skills for a DT of his size (6'3", 336), and great agility across the line. One of my biggest wants in a player is good agility, with ability to switch directions. Knighton has great agility to match his strength up the middle.
Pairing him up with Tyson Alualu in the middle was a good idea. They both have motors that never stop, and by the end of the game, they have to have exhausted the interior offensive lineman. And the end of the game is when it matters. Knighton put up four sacks, had an interception, and deflected four passes. A two year starter for the Jaguars, he looks to anchor this defensive line for years to come.
Kansas City Chiefs: Wallace Gilberry, DE
16 of 33
Seven sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass deflection in two starts. Two starts? This is what I expect out of the coaching staff that gives the ball to Thomas Jones more often than Jamal Charles. Gilberry should provide the Chiefs with a starter next year. They should've been starting him this year, but you know. Gilberry has speed, strength, intelligence and a motor. He should easily find the field for 16 games next year. He had 4.5 sacks the year before that as well.
They need to get this guy on the field, they aren't a good enough team to not play the talent they have available to them. he has certainly been more successful than Glenn Dorsey.
Miami Dolphins: Chris Clemens, S
17 of 33
Clemons started 14 games for the Dolphins in 2010, and he played better than his stats would tell you. And his stats aren't bad. He had 61 tackles, 5 pass deflections, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. He has great athleticism and playmaking ability. I liken him a lot to Tyvon Branch on the Raiders, both very athletic, young guys with high upside.
I believe Clemons allows the Dolphins to play the slower Sean Smith, and run more blitzes, because Clemons can cover like a corner, and make up ground, fast. He will make a QB pay for a mistake, and looks to improve greatly in 2011.
Minnesota Vikings: Phil Loadholt, OL
18 of 33
Finally an offensive lineman. Phil Loadholt is a strength at RT, and a gargantuan human being. He stands 6'8", 343. He anchors the right side of the line for the Vikings. He makes things easier for Adrian Peterson, and that's the most important thing for the Vikings. Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie deserve some credit, but both of those guys have skill sets that are deteriorating. Loadholt will anchor the offensive line for years to come, and the Vikings know it.
They took him in the second round and I thought he was a first round talent. He will protect Christian Ponder for years, and Him, Percy Harvin, Christian Ponder, Adrian Peterson and Kyle Rudolph are the new face of the Vikings.
Expect to start seeing Phil in pro bowls.
New England Patriots: Brandon Tate, WR
19 of 33
Brandon Tate had over 400 yards, over 20 catches, and three touchdowns in a very crowded Patriots offense. With his breakout year on the brink, he is a big play WR, averaging over 18 yards a reception, with two 65 yard catches
He stretches the field for the Patriots the way Randy Moss did. He doesn't have the talent Moss had, and Tom Brady doesn't trust him like he does Moss, but he paved the way for Moss leaving. He opens up the underneath game for Wes Welker, keeps a safety back for the run game, and draws deep coverage to one side of the field allowing the TE's to release to the other side of the field.
He's not the best receiver, but his skill set opens up the field for the rest of the Patriots. And most teams in the NFL don't want to give Brady an open receiver deep, you'd rather have him dink and dunk you.
New Orleans Saints: Jimmy Graham, TE
20 of 33
What a talent. Jimmy Graham is Vernon Davis esque, except he's taller. They have a very similar skill set, and Graham has outstanding jumping ability, puts his body in great position to make a play and has tremendous athleticism. He will provide the Saints with a TE for years to come as long as he takes care of his body. Most Saints fans know this guy, and for good reason.
Brees trusts him. And Brees is one of the smartest QB's in the league. He's onto something down there in the Big Easy.
New York Giants: Travis Beckum, TE
21 of 33
Travis Beckum is the complete opposite of Kevin Boss. Boss is a big, tall, possession TE, and Beckum is a shifty little receiving TE. When the Giants come out in the two TE set, and Beckum and Boss are on there, someone, somewhere, is getting a mismatch. He doesn't put up big numbers, but I believe he is important to the Giants because they love that two TE set, and having a second TE is important to the success of that formation. He is also a very under rated run blocker.
Being surrounded by NY Giants fans, I know how much Eli likes this guy. I've been to a couple practices, and Beckum has done very well. I think it's only a matter of time before he starts seeing more production and better numbers.
New York Jets: Drew Coleman, DB
22 of 33
Drew Coleman is in the mold of Bob Sanders. Tough, hard hitting, undersized defensive back to play for a team having good success. Coleman has excellent drive on the ball, and is one of the surest tackling DB in the NFL. I'd even put him ahead of Winfield, Landry, and Ed Reed. Coleman forced five fumbles in 2010, while only starting four games. He also put up four sacks, four pass deflections, and an interception.
He is weak in man coverage, taking risks and getting beat, but he makes up for it with a big hit, and at the very least a sure tackle. If Antonio Cromartie isn't resigned by the Jets, I fully expect it to be on part of Rex Ryan having big plans for Drew Coleman.
Oakland Raiders: Marcel Reece, RB
23 of 33
When Michael Bush is let off into the free agent waters, Marcel Reece will be the reason why. Him and Bush have very similar skill sets and athleticism. Reece stands at 6'3", and weighs in at 240. He is a perfect compliment back for Darren McFadden. They line him up at fullback mainly, to form a double dip of talent and get the youngster some reps. In very limited action, he has 122 yards on 30 rushes (4.1 yards per attempt), to go along with 25 receptions for 333 yards for a total of four touchdowns.
He is (hopefully) going to keep Taiwan Jones out of the starting lineup for a year or two, and at the very least form a 1-2 punch with whoever they line up behind or next to him.
Philadelphia Eagles: Trevor Laws, DT
24 of 33
Trevor Laws could very well be the best defensive lineman outside of Trent Cole on the Eagle's line. He is a pass rushing defensive tackle, to match next to Bunkley, who is more of a pure run stuffer. Laws had four sacks last year, five pass deflections, an interception and a forced fumble.
Him and Bunkley remind me of Pat and Kevin Williams. Laws is a promising young player who should expect a lot more than just one start this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmanuel Sanders, WR
25 of 33
The Steelers had an insane amount of talent come out of the woods on the offensive side of the ball. Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Maurkice Pouncey well outplayed his draft position. Sanders is a rare combination of speed and sure hands. He isn't the greatest route runner, but with a good QB in Roethlisberger, as long as he is getting the ball on target, everything should be fine. In just one start, and limited action late in the year, he amassed 28 receptions, 376 yards, and two TD's.
With Hines Ward getting up there in age, the Steelers were going to have to look for help in the draft, but with Wallace and Sanders on the roster, they are poised for another good pair of WR's.
San Diego Chargers: Antwan Applewhite, LB
26 of 33
High motor, good work ethic and above average athleticism. That is exactly what it takes to be a player on an A.J. Smith football team. Applewhite has a very high football IQ, and is quick to dissect a play. He only had three sacks and two forced fumbles (One was a quick strip on Cedric Benson that I remember watching at 3 AM after recording all the games and thinking that while being blocked, his force must be stronger than Benson's grip. Science is fun.), but that doesn't tell the story.
Applewhite is a disruptive force, but he lacks that burst off the line to get to the QB before he releases it. I know he is going to improve on his 2010 with a big campaign in 2011.
San Francisco 49ers: Manny Lawson, LB
27 of 33
Oh well, isn't that a nice picture of him lifting a division opponent's franchise quarterback off his feet? Manny Lawson is arguably the third most important player on that defense. Anyone who has watched the 49ers play all year recognizes this guys ability.
He helps make Patrick Willis the best MLB in the game, and he himself is one of the best OLB's in the league. He is no doubt the best cover linebacker in the NFL with six pass deflections, an interception, and two forced fumbles. At 6'5", 240, he plays with the speed of a safety, and the size of a defensive end. Much like how they have Taylor Mays, a safety, who plays at the speed of a cornerback, and the size of a linebacker.
Manny Lawson has to be a part of Jim Harbaugh's plans for this team in the future, he has never been a sack artist, but teams scheme around his pass rush. And with the addition of Aldon Smith, he should be free to make many more plays.
Seattle Seahawks: Ben Obomanu, WR
28 of 33
The Seahawks are a team depleted of offensive talent, but after watching them all year one guy stood out to me: Ben Obomanu. He is a very precise route runner, with good hands and a knack for getting open. His athleticism isn't top notch, but he's still a playmaker. After watching the terrible QB duo of the Seahawks last year, being a WR in this situation was given a handicap by me. Ben played better with Charlie Whitehurst than he did with Matt Hasselbeck.
He put up 30 receptions, 494 yards, and four touchdowns in just six starts. That's not bad when you consider how bad his team was.
He also shockingly was tied for first in touchdown receptions on the Seahawks. Carroll likes this guy, and Carroll has always been a coach that takes care of his guys.
St. Louis Rams: Danario Alexander, WR
29 of 33
Alexander should and very well could be the Rams future No. 1 WR. 6'5", 220, good athleticism. Excellent jumping ability, agility, speed, strength and hands. He was hurt throughout the year, and that's his downfall, he's injury prone. He has had three major surgeries on his knee, but he comes back strong every single time. I have high hopes for this kid, so does Spags, and so does the Govenor of Missouri.
He only amassed 20 receptions and a touchdown, but his big play ability can't be downplayed. He averaged 15 yards a reception, and should continue to grow with Sam Bradford as the two mature and gain more experience. If Danario plays to his potential, the Rams will have a major receiving weapon they have been missing since Tory Holt departed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cody Grimm, S
30 of 33
Cody Grimm is important to the team in a couple of different ways.
- He is a very smart football player and a leader for a young defense.
- He is just as good in pass defense as he is against the run.
- He allowed the team to cut ties with Tanard Jackson.
In nine games before his season got cut short by injury, he had 57 tackles, two INT's (one returned for a TD), two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. Not too shabby.
Grimm has fluid hips, an ability to make the play and he's always where he's supposed to be. This young player has to be their young coach's dream. If Aqib Talib gets cut or traded for his off the field actions, you can even see the Buccaneers counting on Grimm to lead that secondary under the guidance of Ronde Barber.
Tennessee Titans: Nate Washington, WR
31 of 33
Washington is a tough wide receiver, and an often overlooked one as well. The best player on the offense is Chris Johnson, everything goes around him. The running game, the passing game, everything.
But Kenny Britt and Nate Washington aren't bad pieces to have around him, especially for Jake Locker. Britt is an off the field concern, Washington is as trustworthy as you can get. In a Titans season marked by Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith, he managed to put up 42 receptions, 687 yards, and six touchdowns.
Washington is the go-to third down guy and is a precise route runner with good hands and a good body. He averaged over 16 yards a reception in 2010.
Don't undervalue Nate Washington, and with a rookie QB coming in, he could be a FA WR in your fantasy leagues, making him a solid option as a bye-week replacement.
Washington Redskins: Keiland Williams, RB
32 of 33
Mike Shanahan has a history of making average RB's good ones, and good RB's great ones. Keiland Williams is a good RB. He's a shifty player with great open field movement, vision and ability to get to the hole.
He's a rare combination of track star (not sure if he actually ran track, just that skill set) and patience. In a very limited role with the Redskins, he amassed 570 total yards and five touchdowns on 106 touches. That's about a touchdown every 21 touches, and over five yards a touch. These stats aren't inflated because of one 98 yard fluke play either; he is a truck of a player.
Shanahan should go into the season with Williams at the top of his depth chart, have Torrain after him for a 1-2 punch and Roy Helu as a situational back.
Keiland Williams is a great pass blocker, great receiving back and a good running back. The Redskins know this, and now you do too.
Summary
33 of 33
Every team has players that contribute, and players that they keep around for the future. This is a list of 32 guys that either have been contributing for years under the radar, or a guy for the future under the radar. These are the stars you don't see. But just because you don't see them, doesn't mean they aren't there.
Questions? Comments? Leave them! Discuss! What do you think who would you have listed for your team? Just because I watch all the games doesn't mean I see everything. Let me know if I missed a true hidden gem, I'd love to hear it.
Why the non-action picture of Reggie Bush? Because he's enjoying his vacation, obviously. But you can also tweet me with questions or comments, I answer them all! Get involved. Football is the ultimate team sport, so is discussing it.
Follow me on twitter: @ThomassLouis
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")