Detroit Lions – Kerry Hyder, defensive end
Unfortunately, the Lions recently lost Kerry Hyder for the season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t return and be productive in 2018. It also doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be recognized for how good he is. In just his second season, Hyder recorded 36 tackles (23 solo) and eight sacks. But perhaps more impressive than the eight sacks were his 51 pressures.
Green Bay Packers – Joe Thomas, linebacker
Joe Thomas originally joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and saw limited opportunities in 2015. However, in the few chances he saw, he made them count. Then, in 2016, Thomas blossomed beyond what many had expected, recording 70 tackles (55 solo), three stuffs, five passes defensed and an interception. He may not be a household name yet, but if he remains on his current trajectory, the Packers have no doubt found themselves a strong player.
Houston Texans – Benardrick McKinney, linebacker
On a defensive roster filled with the names of superstars, it’s easy to understand why Benardrick McKinney is overlooked. The 2015 second-round pick has appeared in 30 games over his first two seasons, recording 192 tackles (116 solo), six sacks, two passes defensed and 10 stuffs. McKinney is on an obvious incline and could propel himself into the spotlight with a breakout performance in 2017.
Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Castonzo, tackle
The Colts’ offensive line is not exactly something to write home about, and that’s part of the reason Anthony Castonzo is often overlooked. It’s also taken Castonzo, a 2011 first-round pick, some time to develop. But the former first-round pick finished last season ranked “above average” courtesy of Pro Football Focus, with a grade of 82.9.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Chris Ivory, running back
With the selection of Leonard Fournette in the first-round of the NFL Draft, Chris Ivory has quickly become a bit of a forgotten man in Jacksonville. And while his 1,000-yard season with the Jets in 2015 makes him a fringe hidden gem, there’s no denying the sort of skill and potential Ivory brings to the table. He’s a hard runner with a career average of 4.5 yards per carry.
Kansas City Chiefs – Mitch Morse, center
Mitch Morse has started 31 games at center over the past two seasons for the Chiefs, and his production has been solid. There may have been a few small hiccups a season ago, but Morse’s nine perfect games (no sacks, no pressures) were something to behold. He allowed only 14 pressure on the season in 2016 and gave up no sacks. He could be in line for his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2017.
Los Angeles Chargers – Jatavis Brown, linebacker
With other young players stealing the spotlight in Los Angeles, it was easy to miss Jatavis Brown. The rookie started in only seven games a season ago, but recorded 79 tackles, 3.5 sacks and six passes defensed. He was among the best linebackers in pass coverage and once he improves against the run, will become a popular name among Chargers fans.
Los Angeles Rams – Jake McQuaide, long snapper
Jake McQuaide is like Chuck Norris in Los Angeles, and that alone makes him interesting. But beyond his crazy love for special teams, McQuaide is actually an extremely valuable long snapper. In 2016, he earned his first Pro Bowl nod after helping punter Johnny Hekker set NFL single-season records for punts placed inside opponents’ 20-yard line (51) and single-season net punting average (46.0). Plus, he’s a superhero or something.
Miami Dolphins – Kenyan Drake, running back
Kenyan Drake is a back-up to running back Jay Ajayi and that won’t change in 2017, but the 2016 third-round pick brings quite a bit to the table for Miami. He led the team with 5.4 yards per carry a season ago and 30.5 yards per kick return. He’s a threat each time he touches the ball and is a versatile option for the Dolphins to utilize.
Minnesota Vikings – Adam Thielen, wide receiver
After two seasons with extremely limited production, Adam Thielen burst onto the scene in 2016, hauling in 69 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns. He also had an impressive catch percentage of 75%. Still, Thielen didn’t receive the same sort of attention that Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph and Cordarrelle Patterson did. That, of course, is poised to change this coming season if he continues to produce at a high level.
New England Patriots – Matthew Slater, wide receiver/special teams
Matthew Slater may be listed as a wide receiver, but he’s really a do-it-all player for head coach Bill Belichick. And while he’s well known to Patriots faithful, he’s probably lesser known among the NFL’s casual fans despite his six Pro Bowls and four All-Pro honors. An ace on special teams, Slater is going into his 10th season with New England — a team known for their substantial roster turnover.
