5 Most Overrated Players in the NFL

Many players receive recognition that they do not deserve in the NFL—sometimes their potential is misjudged, some of them are out of their prime, and some make Pro Bowls.

These players have one thing in common, however: they are all overrated. This slideshow will depict the five most overrated players in the NFL today.

Mark Sanchez, Jets

Mark Sanchez is easily one of the most overrated players in the NFL. Last year, Sanchez had a lower passer rating, less passing yards and a lower completion percentage than heavily scrutinized Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne. The new ESPN QBR had Sanchez at a 47.4 which was less than Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kerry Collins.

Recently, Jets head coach Rex Ryan called his quarterback "elite," but his less than stellar numbers suggest otherwise.

Eli Manning, Giants

Recently Eli Manning said that he is in the same class as Tom Brady, but Manning has been overrated since his college days. Eli was supposed to be the next Peyton, but has never lived up to the hype.

Last year Manning had a staggering 25 interceptions along with five fumbles, making him have a 31/30 touchdown-to-turnover ratio. Even in his Super Bowl win, Manning threw a dropped pick on the game-winning drive. Eli Manning has improved considerably, but he is still overrated.

Ray Edwards, Falcons

As the Falcons' biggest signing of the offseason, Ray Edwards is expected to bring playmaking abilities in the pass-rush.

That said, I do not know if he can. Edwards has never had a 10-sack season even while having Jared Allen and the Williams brothers in constant double teams. Edwards will see more double teams than he did in Minnesota which will probably decrease his production. Falcons fans will be left wondering why they signed this overrated player.

Champ Bailey, Broncos

Champ Bailey is often heralded as a top-five corner in the NFL. His stats however show otherwise.

Over the past four seasons, Bailey only has nine interceptions and hasn't had more than three in a season. His tackles slipped to 45 last year, the second lowest total he has recorded in his career (44 in nine games during 2008). This 13-year veteran is very overrated and way out of his prime.

Brandon Meriweather, Patriots

Brandon Meriweather is easily one of the most overrated players in the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowler is very inconsistent and is often the hole in the Patriots secondary.

Meriweather is a former first-round pick and his inconsistency has him fighting for the starting job with former undrafted free agent Sergio Brow. Even Bill Belichick knows his safety is highly overrated.