Most Overrated & Underrated Players in the NFL Today
The NFL is a league driven by narratives. Some players receive constant hype, often propelled by flashy highlights, big-market teams, or past accomplishments. Others, however, fly under the radar, overshadowed by teammates, playing in smaller markets, or quietly producing elite performances.
In this article, we take a deep dive into some of the most overrated and underrated players in today’s NFL, separating perception from reality.
Most Overrated Players in the NFL
1. Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas Cowboys)
Why He’s Overrated:
Dak Prescott is a solid quarterback, but he has often been propped up as an elite franchise QB, despite consistently falling short in the biggest moments. While he racks up strong regular-season stats, his playoff struggles have been a recurring theme. With a 2-5 career playoff record and multiple seasons of inconsistent performances against elite defenses, Prescott hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with playing for “America’s Team.”
The Reality:
He’s a good but not great quarterback who benefits from a strong supporting cast, yet struggles when asked to carry his team against elite competition.
2. Trevon Diggs (CB, Dallas Cowboys)
Why He’s Overrated:
Trevon Diggs gained national attention in 2021 after leading the NFL with 11 interceptions, but his aggressive, high-risk style of play often leaves him burned by elite receivers. Despite the highlight-reel plays, Diggs has been one of the most targeted corners in football, frequently allowing big plays due to gambling on routes.
The Reality:
He’s a playmaker, not a lockdown corner. While his ball skills are elite, his tendency to give up big plays keeps him from being among the truly elite defensive backs.
3. Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)
Why He’s Overrated:
Saquon Barkley is often talked about as one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, but the results haven’t matched the hype. Injuries have plagued his career, and his boom-or-bust running style leads to inefficient production. Despite his explosiveness, Barkley often struggles to consistently gain positive yards, ranking near the bottom of the league in success rate among starting RBs.
The Reality:
While he’s an incredible athlete, his lack of durability and consistency keep him from being a top-tier RB compared to players like Derrick Henry or Christian McCaffrey.
4. Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, Las Vegas Raiders)
Why He’s Overrated:
Despite being a consistent winner in San Francisco, Garoppolo has long been a product of Kyle Shanahan’s system rather than an elite quarterback himself. His inability to push the ball downfield, combined with his injury history and turnover issues, makes him a liability rather than a long-term franchise quarterback.
The Reality:
He’s a game manager at best and has struggled when asked to do more than operate within a carefully crafted system.
Most Underrated Players in the NFL
1. Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, Detroit Lions)
Why He’s Underrated:
Amon-Ra St. Brown has quietly become one of the most productive wide receivers in the league, yet rarely gets mentioned among the top names at his position. Despite posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, his name doesn’t carry the same weight as star WRs like Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, or Ja’Marr Chase.
The Reality:
He’s a true WR1 with elite route-running, hands, and football IQ. The lack of national exposure playing in Detroit is the only reason he isn’t getting more recognition.
2. Javon Hargrave (DT, San Francisco 49ers)
Why He’s Underrated:
Defensive tackles rarely get the love they deserve unless they’re named Aaron Donald. Hargrave has been a dominant force for years, consistently racking up sacks and pressuring quarterbacks from the interior. Despite playing a key role in both the Eagles’ and now 49ers’ elite defensive lines, he doesn’t get the same hype as other star defenders.
The Reality:
He’s one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in football but doesn’t get the recognition because he’s not as flashy as edge rushers.
3. Chris Godwin (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Why He’s Underrated:
Chris Godwin has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league over the past several seasons, yet he’s often overshadowed by bigger names like Mike Evans or other top WRs across the league. His ability to work the middle of the field, make tough catches, and excel after the catch makes him invaluable, yet he’s rarely mentioned among the league’s elite.
The Reality:
If he played in a bigger market or had a different name, he’d be considered a top-10 WR in the NFL.
4. Matt Milano (LB, Buffalo Bills)
Why He’s Underrated:
Matt Milano has quietly been one of the best linebackers in football for years, yet his name is rarely mentioned among the top defensive playmakers. He excels in coverage, run defense, and pass rushing, making him an all-around elite defender.
The Reality:
Despite being a Pro Bowler, he’s still undervalued nationally, even though he’s one of the best defensive players in the league.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Really Overhyped & Who’s Overlooked?
While players like Dak Prescott, Trevon Diggs, and Saquon Barkley continue to get massive attention despite their flaws, elite performers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Javon Hargrave, and Matt Milano deserve far more credit than they receive.
The NFL is a league where perception often outshines reality, but the numbers and on-field impact don’t lie. Some players are built up by hype machines, while others quietly dominate without the recognition they deserve.
Who do you think is the most overrated or underrated player in the league? Let the debate begin.
