New Orleans Saints – Willie Snead, wide receiver
Wide receivers Brandin Cooks, now with the New England Patriots, and Michael Thomas stole the show for the high-powered Saints offense in 2016, but Willie Snead’s production cannot be ignored. He had a higher catch percentage than Cooks and averaged the same yards per reception of Thomas. Even with Ted Ginn Jr. now joining the fray, the consistent Snead is likely to put up big and likely overshadowed numbers in 2017.
New York Giants – Weston Richburg, center
After playing guard during his rookie season, the Giants moved Richburg to his natural position of center in 2015. Since then, he’s excelled and should be considered among the best in the league at his position. Unfortunately, a struggling Giants offensive line leaves Richburg an often forgotten man despite starting 31 games over the past two seasons.
New York Jets – Brian Winters, guard
Brian Winters bounced around as a reserve for the Jets over his first three seasons, filling in as both right and left guard and starting when necessary. He became a full-time starter in 2016 and helped improve New York’s interior offensive line, paving the way for Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. Pro Football Focus ranked him near the middle of the pack, but the versatile lineman is solid and ascending for Gang Green.
Oakland Raiders – Jalen Richard, running back
Sometimes a player hits the ground running, and that was the case for Jalen Richard after clawing his way onto the Raiders’ roster a season ago. After making it as a tryout player, Richard finish the season with 1,391 all-purpose yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, 6.7 yards per reception and 13.6 yards per punt return. He was also the most elusive running back in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.
Philadelphia Eagles – Jordan Hicks, linebacker
Jordan Hicks was easily the most consistent player on the Eagles defense a season ago, but despite that, he continues to stay off everyone’s radar. Arguably one of the best coverage linebackers in football, Hicks led the league at his position with five interceptions in 2016 and added 11 passes defensed for good measure. Philly is hoping he will be completely recovered from the broken bone in his hand suffered this summer.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Chris Boswell, kicker
It may be surprising to see a kicker on this list, but Chris Boswell has been a reliable player on the Steelers for two straight seasons. He connected on 90.6% of his field goal attempts in 2015 and 84% of his field goal attempts in 2016. Boswell also connected on 100% of his regular season point after attempts, and was a perfect 8-for-8 on his field goal attempts in last year’s playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers – Kyle Juszczyk, fullback
Fullback is a dying breed in the NFL, but there are still some talented players manning that thankless position. One of them is Kyle Juszczyk, who, despite his contract, isn’t known to many outside of San Francisco or Baltimore, where he spent his first four seasons. He played more snaps than any other fullback in 2016 and has wide-ranging versatility. Not only is he a sound run blocker, but he’s a quality pass-catcher and even averaged 4.4 yards per carry in 2016.
Seattle Seahawks – DeShawn Shead, cornerback
In the absence of safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas last season, DeShawn Shead stepped up to help anchor Seattle’s secondary. And although his statistics aren’t going to leap off the charts (one interception, 14 passes defensed), there’s no denying that Shead’s blanket coverage discouraged many quarterbacks from throwing in his direction. He stepped up further in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Seattle, he may not be available to start the season as he recovers from a torn ACL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cameron Brate, tight end
Cameron Brate has seen his production increase in each of the previous three seasons, and he’s now developing a strong rapport with quarterback Jameis Winston. In 2016, he hauled in 57 receptions for 660 yards and eight touchdowns — all career highs. He also dropped only two passes on the season, which was fifth-best among tight ends in the league. Even with the addition of O.J. Howard, Brate is poised to continue his ascension in Tampa Bay.
Tennessee Titans – Rishard Matthews, wide receiver
It’s hard to call a team’s leading receiver a “hidden gem,” but Rishard Matthews certainly isn’t considered among the league’s elite and generally flies under-the-radar. That may soon change as the sixth-year wideout continues to improve. He finished last season with 65 receptions on 108 targets for 945 yards and nine touchdowns. If he can better his catch percentage, he’ll become a household name in 2017.
Washington Redskins – Jamison Crowder, wide receiver
Jamison Crowder remains somewhat unknown, but after two seasons of residing in the shadows, he’s ready to break out for the Redskins. With no more DeSean Jackson or Pierre Garcon at the front-end of the depth chart, Crowder should see increased targets this season alongside Terrelle Pryor. And with Kirk Cousins at the helm, Crowder’s stats should be in for another bump this season.
