10 most underrated players...

I've selected my most over and underrated players on the Jets roster.... Risk vs. Reward .

I have also highlighted 12 players I think will emerge this year as stars and have break out seasons.... Players to watch . 

Now I am going to focus on 10 underrated players who are all well known, but don't get the credit they deserve. They are all elite players in their respective positions. 

#10) Andre Johnson, WR Texans. 6300 yards and a 13yd average per reception in 6 years. He's never had a legitimate QB and has fumbled the ball 4 times in 486 touches. Imagine what his numbers would be if he had even an average QB. 

#9) Nate Clements, CB 49ers. He received a ridiculous contract a few years back when he left Buffalo for the west coast. Because of the dollar amount he was expected to be superman. He may not be the man of steel, but he has 29 picks, over 600 tackles and 5 defensive TD's in 8 seasons. 

#8) Joseph Addai, RB Colts. His season was shortened last year by an injury and in 07' he only appeared in 15 games. In a total of 43 games he has 3600 yards and 30 TD's (rushing and receiving combined). He's the closest thing we have in todays NFL to Marshall Faulk in his prime. If he can stay healthy, he's a hall-of-famer in training.

#7) Heath Miller, TE Steelers. 2,000 yards and 20+ TD's in his first four years. Oh, and two rings. Gates and Whitten get all the attention but this guy is a valuable blue collar TE who played an important role in two championship runs. And, his career is just starting.  

#6) Mason Crosby, K Packers. This 193rd pick in the 07' draft has started every game for Green Bay and has a powerful leg. He has 31 touchbacks in 2 seasons and is very accurate, even from over 50 yards. Now the Pack have to get deep in the postseason to see if he has nerves of steel. 

#5) Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Raiders. In 2006 he had 50 tackles, 8 picks and a TD. Since then teams simply don't throw his way. He is a top 5 CB in this league and you may not be able to pronounce his name, but it's one you should know none the less. 

#4) John Abraham, DE Falcons. He had  rough start to his career struggling with off the field issues and injuries. The Jets traded him away and all his problems. However, he is one of the best pass rushers of his generation and the numbers don't lie. 84 sacks in 103 games. To put those numbers in perspective Dwight Freeny who is one of the highest paid pass rushers in this league and a true icon. He has 70 sacks in 113 games. If we would have only had Abraham healthy in that Divisional playoff game in 2004 vs. the Steelers.... Ok, lets leave the past in the past =)

#3) Kevin Williams, DT Vikings. The best pass rushing DT I have ever seen in the NFL, it's that simple. Minnesota's defense has been amazing for the past 3-4 years and it all starts with the big man in the middle. 300 tackles and 42 sacks in 6 years.... from the DT position, WOW! Hanesworth may have a absurd 'billion dollar' contract in Washington, but the best DT in football wears purple. 

#2) Calvin Johnson, WR Lions. Some may feel that I am overly excited about a player who has only been in the league for two seasons. He also has the undesirable distinction of playing for the only team to ever go 0-16. It's not his fault he was drafted by Detroit. He has already played with 6 different starting QB's and his team just drafted #7. Most other receivers who can produce on Johnson's level have a steady competent QB. 2000 yards with a 16.5 yard average and 16 TD's in his first two years. I already feel he is the best WR in the league and if he gets lucky enough to pair up with a elite QB he will re-write the record books. If I'm Jerry Rice I am a bit nervous. 

#1) Clinton Portis, RB Redskins. I guess if I needed to pick a pound-for-pound, best overall player in the league it would be Mr. Portis. He does it all, pass blocks, runs between the tackles, catches the ball, has amazing visions and is a leader on and off the field. He probably only has a few elite years left, but he is the class of the NFL right now. Want some stats? Ok, how about 9200 yards, a 4.5 yard average for his career and 18 fumbles in 2200 all purpose touches. Thats one every 126 times he handles the ball. AMAZING! 

J.Wagner