Julian Edelman Headlines NFL’s Most Underrated Stars

The NFL is full of household names like Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson, but there are a number of star players who don’t get quite the same attention. In fact, Brady’s longtime battery mate, Julian Edelman, ranks right atop that list. One of the clutch playoff performers in NFL history, Edelman ofter gets overlooked when discussing the top receivers in the game. Even the legendary Jerry Rice has endorsed Edelman.

Of course, Edelman isn’t the only underrated NFL star. Whether it’s due to playing on a losing team or being overshadowed by more prominent names, some players don’t get the credit they deserve. Here are five NFL stars who deserve to be spotlighted.

Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

Statistically speaking, Edelman is far from elite. He has just three 1,000-yard seasons in 11 years in the league. He’s never posted double-digit touchdowns. And he’s Kenny Golladay, WR, Detroit Lions

If you could create a dominant receiver in Madden, you’d probably come up with someone like Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos let one perenially underrated defensive back go this offseason. By played sparingly as a rookie in sub-packages before starting 13 games in 2017. In the last two seasons, Simmons has rapidly ascended to become one of the best players at his position and a core building block for the Broncos. He recorded 15 passes defended and four interceptions while earning second-team All-Pro honors. It’s time to start mentioning Simmons when discussing the NFL’s best safeties.

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens

One of Ozzie Newsome’s final draft picks, it’s no surprise that the Hall of Fame general manager dipped into his alma matter to land another star. Marlon Humphrey entered the league as the 16th overall pick and immediately showed why he was considered one of the best corners in the country at Alabama. Despite playing just 55 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie, the 6-foot, 197-pounder recorded 11 passes defended and two picks.

Last season, Humphrey truly came into his own. As Baltimore’s clear-cut No. 1 corner, he locked down opposing receivers. Humphrey stuffed the stat sheet with 65 total tackles, 14 passes defended, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. With Baltimore Cameron Jordan, DL, New Orleans Saints

For almost a decade, Cameron Jordan has been one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers. In fact, the 2011 first-round pick has recorded at least 7.5 sacks in eight consecutive seasons. Jordan’s resume includes five double-digit sack campaigns, including a career-high 15.5 last year.

Jordan’s versatility and physical style of play make him one of the best defensive linemen in football. Yet, his name rarely gets mentioned when discussing elite edge rushers. Von Miller, J.J. Watt and Khalil Mack deserve plenty of praise, but the Saints boast one of the most well-rounded defenders in the 6-foot-4, 287-pounder. Still just 30 years old, Jordan has plenty of tread left on the tires. And by the time he calls it a career, he may finally get the respect he deserves as one of the NFL’s true stars.