Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

I only had time to look at the names on this list but it doesn't seem unreasonable.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2708 ... fl-history

Thoughts?

I like the list in general.
One could almost make a list with 25 alternate players and it would still be just as valid.

This "rule:"
"No 1960s Packers, 1970s Steelers, 1980s 49ers, 1990s Cowboys or 2000s Patriots."
does seem kind of arbitrary and would exclude a lot of fine players who might otherwise fit the criteria.

I like a lot of the "old-timers" mentioned: Johnny Robinson and Ron McDole in particular.
Even some of the more recent players: Kent Hull, Ken Anderson and Bryant Young.
Not so crazy about having "modern" players on the list: Derrik Mason, NaVorro Bowman, etc.

Number one is surprising and not a bad choice at all.
I won't ruin it for everyone.
The article is certainly worth a perusal.

Some interesting players on the list...agree with some choices, disagree with others. Noticing the author, I figured there wouldn't be any pre-1978 WRs on the list, and I was right. If you are going to disparage Paul Warfield and Charley Taylor, then the odds that Cliff Branch and Harold Jackson make an 'underrated' list are pretty low.

Hard to say if the list order was based on how good the player was, or how 'underrated' he was/is. I don't really agree with #1...yeah, I guess he is underrated but the author's summation of his career isn't accurate. Player #2 brings to mind the Chris Berman cliché of "He's so overrated, he's underrated!".

To me, the 25 most underrated does not mean "25 players who should be in the HOF but aren't", but rather, "25 players that most contemporary fans should be aware of, but aren't". For that reason, I don't think any active players should be on the list, and that includes a certain QB who was on the list.

For that reason, I don't think any active players should be on the list, and that includes a certain QB who was on the list.

^^^ My thoughts exactly when I saw him on the list.

One could almost make a list with 25 alternate players and it would still be just as valid.

Exactly.

Also kind if disappointing there's no one pre-1960 mentioned here. ....and they're saying their choice for #1 is THE MOST underrated player EVER?

Eric Allen? Not to me. Of course Reggie and that D-front will always be remembered first (how can't it be?) and then of course #12, but it's not as if that secondary was filled with All-Pros thus making him overshadowed. He was one of the league's best pass-defenders, well recognized to me, during his time on an otherwise weak Eagles' secondary.

Jim Marshall & Ken Anderson? Just the fact that they're constantly (and rightfully so) mentioned as "should be" HOFers ought to disqualify them from a top-25 yet alone near the top. Yes, and I also disagree with that QB who's still playing. Not even too sure Sam Mills should be mentioned; he was well recognized.

Real good list otherwise. Real nice inclusions. Neal Anderson and especially London Fletcher amongst them although I'm sure there are a ton of pre-SB era players unfairly left out.

Inclined to put Roy Green in there. Very under the radar...nagging injury issues after his massive 1500 yard receiving campaign, but whenever he played he had to be accounted for. Was a terrific receiver that always had to be accounted for when he was on the field

#1 on the list is a good choice IMO. He isn't much remembered despite considerable success with the team he spent the most time with.

Sonny Randle, who passed away last week, was a classic underrated player. However, he spent the bulk of his career with the Cards. His 64 TD receptions were I believe the most of any NFL player during the 1960's, although Lance Alworth had more in the AFL.

Chuck Foreman had a unique rushing style with his spin move, and led the league in receiving and scored 22 TD's in 1975. If there had been Fantasy Football in the mid 70's, he would have been the most valuable player. Lydell Mitchell was pretty similar, but I think Foreman was slightly more impressive with that spin move. Both were underrated to a degree, but if I were making a list, I would include Foreman.

sheajets wrote:Inclined to put Roy Green in there. Very under the radar...nagging injury issues after his massive 1500 yard receiving campaign, but whenever he played he had to be accounted for. Was a terrific receiver that always had to be accounted for when he was on the field

And he transitioned from Safety to Wide Receiver in the pros. He apparently played offense and defense in college.