Who Are the Most Underrated Defenders in the NFL?

With training camp looming and OTAs underway, all eyes are on the superstars. It seems like they are the only ones at camp, the only ones photographed, and the only ones being talked about. Even aging superstars like Jalen Ramsey, who may be getting traded, are getting more screen time and discussion despite the impact that some other guys have on their squads. Sure, it is cool to see the young franchise quarterback throw some passes, but what about the slot corner that won you a playoff-clinching game last year? Some players just do not get the recognition they deserve, and, for some reason, continue to be overlooked. Here are some of the most underrated players in the NFL today.

Amik Robertson, CB Lions

Remember the guy who locked up Justin Jefferson to clinch the NFC’s top seed? That was Amik Robertson, and it is important to note that he was doing stuff like that all year long. He is never talked about, which is strange because the former fourth-rounder is emerging as one of the game’s best nickel corners. He is great at the line of scrimmage, which was on display against Jefferson and the Vikings, as seemingly none of Jefferson’s savvy runoff moves fooled Robertson. He is also a good tackler. It seems like Amik Robertson is the Jeff Okudah that the Lions never got with, well, Jeff Okudah.

Frankie Luvu, LB Commanders

Frankie Luvu might be the most passionate player in football, and that is just one of his elite traits. His ridiculously high motor makes it seem like he is involved in every play; it appears this way, but the truth is that he is just always in the right place. He earned second-team All-Pro honors this year, but for some reason, he is still being overlooked. His ability to shoot the gap and stuff the run is remarkable, like top five in the league, and the fact that he can line up anywhere in the front seven just adds to his well-rounded game. He tallied eight sacks last year, although he primarily lines up as an off-ball linebacker. This speaks to his technique while pass-rushing. He stands at six-foot-three but only weighs 236 pounds, so the fact that he can get into the backfield at what seems like at will is straight-up ridiculous. The former Washington State captain is quickly becoming a top-five linebacker in this league, and he deserves more recognition. Not to mention, he played over 1,000 snaps this year for the Commanders, per PFF.

Gervon Dexter, DL Bears

Gervon Dexter gets off blockers faster than anyone at 312 pounds. The six-foot-six game-wrecker is a great pass-rusher, and his 39 pressures ranked 30th among all defensive linemen last year, per PFF. His violent play style only helps him in the trenches. He can move anyone out of his way. The former Florida Gator also batted down two passes, showing off his insane athleticism at his size. He is quickly becoming one of the most intimidating players in the league, and pretty soon, teams are going to start needing to game-plan for him because Dexter can disrupt an entire game.

Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Vikings

Jonathan Greenard ranked top-11 in the NFL in sacks this year, but what he does so well is the stuff that does not show up on the stat sheet. He had 87 pressures this year, and on every single one, it looks as though he freezes the quarterback due to his very good pursuit skills. Greenard, who came over to Minnesota from Houston in free agency last year, is being paid like a top edge rusher, but he is not being talked about as one. He is a top-ten edge defender in this league, and his advanced stats back that up. The ex-Florida Gator also forced four fumbles this year, adding to his impressive resume. He wins with speed and power, too, something that continues to be overlooked in today’s NFL.

Brandon Jones, S Broncos

Brandon Jones was PFF’s fifth-ranked safety in the NFL this year, and when he is on the field, it is obvious why. He complements reigning defensive player of the year Pat Surtain II so well, as he allows him to be in man coverage with terrific safety help over the top. Jones’ three interceptions and six pass breakups back that up. He is another guy who is making top-end cash but is not being talked about as a star football player. He was built in a lab to play in a Sean Payton defense, as it allows him to roam free over the top and read the play before it develops.

Josh Sweat, EDGE Cardinals

Josh Sweat had a monster year with Philadelphia in 2024, as, with his help, the Eagles won the Super Bowl. Sweat tallied eight sacks in the regular season and added two-and-a-half more in the Super Bowl. His prowess as a pass-rusher garnered the attention of Arizona, which swooped in and gave him a massive deal. Sweat is just another example of a guy making a lot of money and playing a lot of good football, but not getting a lot of attention.

Kyler Gordon, CB Bears

Kyler Gordon plays somewhat of a defensive specialist position for the Bears, and it is fun to watch. He has extraordinary instincts and is extremely quick to the ball. His closing speed is terrific, and although he is a slot corner, he has underrated press skills. The former second-round pick started every game last year and was PFF’s 13th-ranked cornerback.

Zach Sieler, DL Dolphins

Zach Sieler has quietly been one of the most disruptive interior forces that the league has to offer over the past couple of seasons. His 12.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks speak to his ability to wreck a play. He is an absolute bull in a china shop along the line, but he still disengages from blockers quickly, so he does have some finesse to his game. Sieler is also a leader off the field, adding to the list of reasons he is underrated.