From: aa05@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (ABDULMALIK A. ALHUSSEINI)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: Most Underrated Players.
Date: 7 Nov 92 21:23:23 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University

Last week I started a topic about the most overrated players/caoches and I got
some interesting responses. Let's talk now about the most underrated players.
Before you go ahead, I apologize for concentrating on the NFC (the east in
particular) players. This is because of familiarity. I am sure that the AFC
has its own share of underrated players. If you happen to know some, add them
up.

Most underrated players (no particular order):

(1) Keith Byars [RB   Eagles]

As depedable as they come. He is one of the most versatile players in the NFL.
He knows how to run, block, and receive the ball. His running style isn't that
much but it's not shabby either. His legs strengh is extraordinary which makes
him hard to bring down. He is a nightmare for the smallish Safeties and CBs.
He is a bruising blocker in run support and dependable in pass protection. His
pass receiving skills are very good for some his size. He has soft hands and
does alot after the makes the reception. He is especially effective on
screens. Byars doesn't get much attention from the local or the national
media. He deserves more.

(2) Daryl Johnston [FB   Cowboys]

A very talented young back from syracuse. Not as versatile as Byars but he
does what the coaches want and more. His primary job is to block for Emmitt
Smith and he is darn good at that. Emmitt Smith led the NFL last year and
leads so far. Some credit should be given to Johnston. A combination of
strength and smarts makes him a very good pass receiver. He doesn't get too
many passes, but makes the most out the ones thrown to him. He doesn't get
attention on a national level. I don't know if this is the case in Dallas. He
also deserves more.

(3) Kurt Gouveia [LB   Redskins]

I have seen this guy make big plays for the skin many times, especially in
coverages. NO matter what he does, he will be over shadowed by Marshall. It
seems that he doesn't get attention at all.

(4) Mike Pritchard [WR   Falcons]

This guy is one of the leading receivers in the NFC (I think #3 in catches). I
think he leads both Rison and Haynes (I am not sure about Rison though). This
is only his 2nd year, so he must be something special. He is fast, has good
hands and his low center of gravity allows him to escape or even evade
tackles. Yet, Rison gets most of the attention and then Hayens. But maybe
things will change with time.

(5) Jackie Slater [OT   Rams]

He deserves alot of respect. He must be seeing the light at the end of the
tunnel because he is something like 38 years old. I have seen him protect
Everett from the harsh defenses of the Saints, SF, Eagles, Giants and more. If
he played with the Hogs, he would be even better. He got more attention in the
past than now maybe because the Rams were contenders then.

(6) Kelvin Martin [WR   Cowboys]

He is your basic over-achiever. Not big, not fast, but very dependable. He is
in S Largent tradition. He was demoted from a starter to a 3rd down
specialist, a move that could have destroyed his confidence because he used to
be the leading WR in Dallas. It didn't matter, Martin still produces when
given a chance. A combination of good hands, presence of mind and quickness
makes him what he is, a dependable 3rd down specialist. He made alot of big
plays for Dallas. Receiving is not the only skill Martin mustered at Dallas.
He is also a feared punt returner. Martin deserves more.

(7) The list goes on......

Malik......