Seven underrated players in the NFL so far in 2023
(Credit: Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
We’re six weeks into the new NFL season for 2023 and so far, this year has been full of surprises and storylines that none of us could have expected.
With that in mind, here are seven players who are being massively underrated during the opening third of the new season:
Bryce Huff
There are a few players from the Jets defense who don’t get the plaudits or attention they deserve (another we’ll get on to shortly). And Bryce Huff has been as good as it gets when it comes to pass rush efficiency, without raising too much attention for his worth.
The Jets defensive end has generated a 25.7 percent pressure rate over the last two seasons, the league’s highest score, despite only signing signed a second-round tender as a restricted free agent this past March. He’s continuing to breakout as a star player on this New York defensive, and recorded 1.5 sacks and a career-high nine pressures over 28 pass rush plays in his team’s incredible win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Not bad for a player who went undrafted in 2020.
Jaylen Warren
Disclaimer – this selection is more focused on his valued appreciation from his team, rather than in the public eye. He may only have 124 rushing yards so far this season, but I’m convinced Jaylen Warren will eventually breakout into a star. It continues to amaze me, and certainly many others, why the Steelers continue to roll with Najee Harris in their run game, without giving Warren the opportunities he deserves.
The second-year man from Oklahoma State has the burst and explosion that we haven’t seen from Harris, and is an elite blocker in the passing game. He’s good as a receiver too, and wears his heart on his sleeve on every play.
Zach Moss is another player who has been surprisingly electric, but has stolen the limelight in the absence of Jonathan Taylor. We’re hoping that Warren can get the play time he deserves, and help to get the Pittsburgh running game back on track.
Quincy Williams
His brother Quinnen gets a lot of the credit in the New York Jets’ defense, but Quincy Williams is starting to become one of the most important players on the roster. He’s genuinely playing at an All-Pro level at the moment.
In Week Five’s clash with the Denver Broncos, the former Jaguar made his presence felt on Sunday. Williams finished with nine total tackles, five solo tackles, three quarterback hits, a tackle for loss, and two sacks, including the game-winning play which set up Bryce Hall to scoop-score from Russell Wilson’s fumble.
Other than Huff, I can’t think of another player more deserving of praise than Quincy, who, having been awarded a three-year, $18 million contract this past offseason, looks a bargain for New York.
Devon Witherspoon
He was one of one of the first players off the draft board back in April, but Devon Witherspoon is legitimately playing like a top-five cornerback in the league at the moment without creating too much attention.
He’s only played in three games, but Witherspoon has already racked up two sacks, 23 tackles, four pass deflections and a pick-six, which came against the New York Giants. With Riq Woolen alongside, Seattle have a pair of stud corners they’ll be relying on for a very long time.
Coming off the bye-week with the Seahawks, let’s see what heights the young stud can hit for the rest of 2023.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Given Van Ginkel was only re-signed to a one-year deal this offseason, I don’t think the Dolphins were expecting him to put up this kind of production and turn into arguably the best pass rusher on the team. Four sacks, 25 tackles (16 solo) and fumble recovery to start the season, AVG has been a constant pressure for Miami’s new defense under Vic Fangio.
Van Ginkel is having his best season as a pro, and deserves a new extension if he can keep up this kind of form for the rest of the year.
DJ Turner II
Another rookie cornerback, DJ Turner’s start to the season has been nothing short of immense, and given the Bengals‘ offensive struggles, it hasn’t been talked about enough.
Jordan Battle is another who also made a great start to life in Cincinnati, but Turner’s numbers emphasise his emergence entering the league. Just five receptions (43 yards) allowed off 144 coverage snaps, no touchdowns while facing the likes of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and DeAndre Hopkins through six weeks. The Bengals have found their CB1 for the future!
Baker Mayfield
Quarterback is the most focused position in football, so it’s hard to pick a player for a position there are so few who has been undervalued this season. Jared Goff and Geno Smith are natural answers, but it can’t be said enough just how surprisingly good Baker Mayfield has been to start the new season.
The Buccaneers were considered one of the worst teams during the offseason, mainly because of concerns with Baker joining as the starting QB. So far so good though for the former #1 pick, and his progression throughout 2023 will be key to whether Tampa Bay remains in the playoff picture.
His surprising ball security and TD-INT ration (7-3) is decent, and definitely something to build on. Comeback Player of the Year contender? Don’t rule him out.
