Unsung Heroes: All 32 NFL Team’s Best Player In 2025 That Didn’t Get Enough Love
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Every NFL team had at least one player who, for whatever reason, continuously flew under the radar and rarely received the attention and credit they deserved.
Well, it’s our duty here to give such players the love that often evaded them this season. With that, let’s dive into every NFL team’s biggest unsung hero of 2025.
Who are the biggest unsung heroes for each NFL team in 2025?
Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr.
It’s hard to find many positives on a lousy 2025 Cardinals team that recorded a fourth straight losing season in the NFL. But on the bright side, 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson flew under the radar and really came into his own.
Johnson finished with a 76.6 grade at Pro Football Focus, ranking him 20th among offensive tackles. That was highlighted by a 77.1 run-blocking grade, 17th at the position.
Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr.
In the first half, the Falcons’ decision to trade up for James Pearce Jr. and surrender their 2026 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams looked disastrous.
Pearce had just half a sack in Atlanta’s first eight games. But he went “beast mode” in the second half, racking up 10 sacks in the final nine games. With 10.5 sacks, he became the first Falcon to hit double-digits there since Vic Beasley in 2016.
The No. 26 pick led the Falcons on a four-game winning streak to close out the year. So with that, the pick they gave up to the Rams is the No. 13 selection. No harm at all. Fair value in trading up for him after all, if you ask us.
Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten
Let’s not allow the miserable 2025 Ravens’ season to overshadow a tremendous season from Baltimore’s second-year offensive tackle.
Rosengarten and veteran Ronnie Stanley were one of football’s top bookend tandems of 2025. The former finished second per ESPN’s pass-rush win rate among offensive tackles at 96 percent. He did his part to keep the Ravens’ offense afloat, even if Lamar Jackson and the pass-catchers could not.
Buffalo Bills: Jackson Hawes
Hawes is Buffalo’s No. 3 tight end behind Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid. But this NFL team primarily used the rookie as an offensive lineman, and rarely as a pass-catcher.
Hawes was a world-class blocker in the Josh Allen-led offense. He helped James Cook win the rushing title with 1,621 yards. Hawes was also PFF’s second-highest graded rookie at 83.1.
Carolina Panthers: Mike Jackson
Jackson had an unexpected breakout year in Carolina at the age of 28, propelling the long-struggling NFL team to a surprise NFC South division crown.
He had four interceptions and a league-leading 19 pass breakups. Jackson was PFF’s fourth-highest-graded cornerback at 79.1, allowing just a 75.0 passer rating when targeted.
Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright
While Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams got most of the love in Chicago this season, we’d like to remind you that the turnaround wouldn’t be possible without the offensive line.
Williams went from being sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie to 24 in year two. Veterans Drew Dalman and Joe Thuney were rock stars there, yes.
But don’t forget about Chicago’s 2023 first-round pick. Wright was fourth in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate for offensive tackles and had an 85.6 PFF run-blocking grade, sixth best at the position.
Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Turner
As pathetic as the Cincy defense was, Turner sure came into his own as an under-the-radar and elite shutdown corner for this NFL team.
He became a certified ball-hawker with two interceptions, 18 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Turner allowed a 47.9 completion percentage and just a 75.6 passer rating when targeted.
Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit
It’s easy to glaze over Myles Garrett’s record-breaking season, or the tremendous production of rookies Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger.
But veteran safety Grant Delpit was a pleasant surprise in the Browns’ suffocating defense as well. He flew all over the field with an interception, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and three sacks. The 92.8 passer rating allowed is far from elite, but it was his lowest allowed in three years.
We may have a late-bloomer in the making here, folks.
Dallas Cowboys: Osa Odighizuwa
The Cowboys’ defense improved after the midseason trade for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. But lost in the constant changes on Dallas’ defense? The rise of fifth-year defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
3.5 sacks and zero forced fumbles won’t “wow” you if you only glance at the box score. But he was ninth in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate among defensive tackles and eighth in run stop win rate. Now, just wait and see what he and Parsons can do together for a full year for this NFL team.
Denver Broncos: John Franklin-Myers
The three-headed pass-rushing monster of Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, and Zach Allen garnered most of the attention on a Denver D that racked up a league-leading 68 sacks.
But some love for veteran John Franklin-Myers is mandatory. He tallied a career-high 7.5 sacks and had the eighth-best pass-rush win rate among defensive tackles, per ESPN.
Detroit Lions: Alex Anzalone
The veteran linebacker was a rock on a Lions’ defense marred by injuries this year. He had a career-high nine pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, 95 tackles, and yielded just a 58.2 passer rating when targeted — much better than his previous career-best of 66.7.
Anzalone did it all for Dan Campbell’s defense, forming an electrifying linebacker duo with Jack Campbell, who earned First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods.
Green Bay Packers: Zach Tom
Tom was the golden goose of the Packers’ always-stout offensive line this year. He didn’t allow a single sack and took just one penalty on 604 offensive snaps. His 83.5 grade at PFF was eighth among all offensive tackles, and only five guys at the position had a better pass-rush win rate than Tom, per ESPN.
Houston Texans: Calen Bullock
Naturally, Derek Stingley Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Will Anderson Jr. got all the attention on a historically good Houston defense this year. But second-year safety Calen Bullock was quietly instrumental in their dominance on D as well.
The 2024 third-round pick had four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble while allowing just a 72.6 passer rating when targeted. And to think he should get even better in year three for this NFL team…
Indianapolis Colts: Tanor Bortolini
Well, letting Ryan Kelly price himself out of town in free agency and slotting in the 2024 fourth-round pick proved to be a stroke of genius by the Colts.
Bortolini was a significant factor in the Colts’ early success before Daniel Jones unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury. Bortolini didn’t allow a single sack and was PFF’s third-highest graded center at 82.6.
See what Danny Dimes can do with an o-line in front of him?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Parker Washington
Brian Thomas Jr. had a tremendously disappointing sophomore year. Two-way phenom and rookie Travis Hunter was limited to seven games. Jakobi Meyers arrived midway through the year in a trade deadline deal.
Thus, the only consistent pass-catcher Trevor Lawrence had all season was third-year receiver Parker Washington. He led the Jags with 58 catches and 847 yards and had five touchdowns — all career highs.
Man, an offense with Washington, Hunter, Thomas, and Meyers for a full year is gonna be terrifying.
Kansas City Chiefs: Nohl Williams
Most of Kansas City’s star veteran players performed well below their standards this year. At least rookie cornerback Nohl Williams was a bright spot, though.
The third-round pick out of California had seven pass breakups and allowed just a 52.5 completion percentage when targeted. He was PFF’s 15th highest-graded cornerback at 74.5, too.
Las Vegas Raiders: Eric Stokes
We don’t blame you if you hardly noticed anyone other than Maxx Crosby on the Raiders’ defense last season for this NFL team. Most of John Spytek’s offseason moves left a lot to be desired, but signing Stokes to a one-year deal was a vastly underrated move.
Stokes found a nice home in Sin City after four “meh’ years with the Packers. He had five pass breakups and yielded just a 77.7 passer rating. Stokes allowed only 34 completions and a single TD in coverage on 60 targets.
Los Angeles Chargers: Donte Jackson
The Chargers would not have made the playoffs for the second straight year without their suffocating defense. You’re very familiar with Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, and Derwin James, but the well-traveled Donte Jackson really took a big step for Jim Harbaugh’s squad this year.
Playing on his third team in as many years, Jackson had four interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He allowed only 21 completions on 49 targets and a laughable 56.8 passer rating when QBs threw in his direction.
Los Angeles Rams: Kobie Turner
One day, Turner will generate the publicity and love that teammates Jared Verse and Byron Young get on defense.
Turner finished with seven sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception. He’s now logged seven-plus sacks in three straight years to begin his career. Oh, and his 14-percent pass-rush win-rate was fifth among defensive tackles, according to ESPN.
Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Brooks
The former Seahawks’ 2020 first-round pick has been a beast since joining the Dolphins in 2024. But his 2025 NFL season was truly something else for his team.
Brooks earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods. He had three pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, 99 solo tackles, and 183 combined tackles — with the latter two marks leading the NFL. Play like this in 2026, and he’ll score a monster deal next year when his current contract runs up.
Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
After a forgettable rookie year, Minny’s 2024 first-round pick emerged as a positive in the Gopher State this year. More folks would have noticed if the Vikings weren’t held back by such horrific QB play this year.
Despite being used as a rotational player, Turner finished as Minnesota’s sacks leader with eight. He had three pass breakups and four forced fumbles, finally reminding everyone why he was the consensus top pass-rusher prospect entering the 2024 draft.
New England Patriots: Kayshon Boutte
It was hard for Boutte to stand out in a deep Patriots offense led by Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry, TreVeyon Henderson, and Rhamondre Stevenson. But he made it work, folks.
Boutte was the perfect deep threat and No. 3 pass-catching option for Maye in the latter’s breakout season. He averaged 16.7 yards per catch, finishing with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games.
If Boutte can get healthy, he could replace Diggs as the Pats’ No. 1 receiver.
New Orleans Saints: Juwan Johnson
The Saints weren’t really noticeable this season until rookie Tyler Shough took over the offense from a struggling Spencer Rattler. Everyone is familiar with young stud receiver Chris Olave. But unless you had Juwan Johnson on your fantasy team, you didn’t realize how excellent his 2025 NFL season was for this team.
Johnson caught 77 passes for 889 yards — both career highs — and three touchdowns. His production really popped after Shough took over as the starter, so expect an even bigger year for JJ in 2026.
New York Giants: Cordale Flott
Nothing like having a career season in your contract year. Good on Flott, who’s about to get paid handsomely by the Giants or somebody else in free agency.
Flott was a rock in the Giants’ secondary, recording 11 pass breakups and allowing just a 73.3 passer rating in coverage. On 60 targets, he only gave up 35 catches and one touchdown.
New York Jets: Will McDonald IV
The Jets were horrible this year, and trading away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the deadline only derailed the defense in the second half. Thus, we don’t blame anyone for overlooking the big year from 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald IV.
Despite missing two games, McDonald led the Jets with eight sacks. His 29 run-stop win rate was the seventh-best mark for edge rushers, per ESPN. With Gardner and Williams gone, it’s McDonald’s turn to lead the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalyx Hunt
The Eagles had one disappointing Super Bowl title defense despite running it back with virtually the same core. You can only find so many positives on the 2025 Eagles, but the breakout years of Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo give Philly fans something to be excited about for next year.
Hunt was a monster across the field. He led the team with 6.5 sacks, to go along with three interceptions, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Pittsburgh Steelers: James Pierre
Jalen Ramsey looked like a shell of his former self, and Darius Slay didn’t even last a full year in Steel City. But the Pittsburgh secondary avoided “disaster” status thanks to the unexpected emergence of James Pierre for this NFL team.
PFF’s second-highest graded corner at 86.7 had 11 pass breakups and allowed just 15 completions on 35 targets. No touchdowns were yielded. Opposing QBs had a hilarious 41.4 passer rating when they targeted Pierre, too.
Perfect time for a career year with free agency looming!
San Francisco 49ers: Ji’Ayir Brown
Brown sure stepped up in San Fran after Talanoa Hufanga priced himself out of the Bay Area. What a big-time breakout season for the third-year safety.
The 49ers needed their secondary to step up with Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams all suffering season-ending injuries in the front seven. Brown and Deommodore Lenoir were up for the challenge, alright.
Brown had two picks, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Now, wait and see what this 49ers defense can do at full strength.
Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II
After an uneventful rookie year, Murphy took a big leap forward with the Seahawks, who emerged as a pleasant surprise thanks to one of the greatest defensive units ever assembled. No exaggeration.
Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Devon Witherspoon got most of the credit, with each earning a Pro Bowl nod. But Murphy II also broke out with seven sacks and garnered a superb PFF grade of 72.4.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cade Otton
The Bucs desperately needed a secondary pass-catcher with superstar wideouts Chris Godwin and Mike Evans playing just 17 combined games. Otton was Baker Mayfield’s security blanket after rookie stalwart Emeka Egbuka, finishing with 59 catches for 572 yards and a touchdown.
If Otton hadn’t missed one game, he likely would have set new career highs in catches and receiving yards. He’s going to get a nice payday from someone in free agency.
Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat
Folks are aware of Jeffery Simmons’ status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles. But we promise that T’Vondre Sweat will no longer be an under-the-radar player. Not after quietly having a phenomenal breakout year.
Sweat graded out as PFF’s fifth-best defensive tackle at 83.4. Sweat and Simmons were a beast of a run-stopping tandem, despite not having a whole lot of help behind them on defense. Expect new head coach Robert Saleh to fully unlock Sweat’s potential in 2026 for his NFL team.
Washington Commanders: Sam Cosmi
Cosmi was one of the few silver linings in a forgettable year for the Commanders, who were ravaged by injuries this season. The fifth-year guard took just a single penalty and allowed only two sacks. His 76.3 overall grade at PFF placed Cosmi 10th among guards.
Throw in the presence of Laremy Tunsil and a breakout year from Chris Paul, and the Commanders’ o-line has one high ceiling for Jayden Daniels in 2026.
