NFL Hidden Gems: The Secret Superstars for all 32 teams

29.07.2025, 15:10 sbnation.com

Superstars may lead the discussion when it comes to success in the NFL, but more often than not, it’s the guys you barely know who will make the plays needed when they’re needed.

Take the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, for example. They signed linebacker Zack Baun to a one-year, $3.5 million contract before the 2024 season. The former New Orleans Saint seemed destined to have a career in which he was a rotational linebacker at best, and a special-teams demon to fill things out. But defensive coordinator Vic Fangio saw something in Baun — something which told him that Baun could be the epicenter of his defense.

And that’s exactly what happened. Baun was a revelation in Fangio’s schemes, signed a three-year, $51 million contract with $34 million guaranteed to go along with his shiny Super Bowl ring, and he’s no longer a Secret Superstar, because the secret is out.

So, in the Eagles’ case, it’s time to look ahead, and that’s true of every NFL team — which is why I took the “Secret Superstars” articles I wrote every week in the 2024 season, and spun the concept forward in the “Hidden Gems” series that point out three underrated players for every team — one underrated veteran, one underrated free-agent signing, and one underrated draft pick. We fill out the picture with metrics, tape examples, and quotes from coaches, teammates, and the Hidden Gems themselves.

You can find all the articles at the links below, because it’s important to study who might be the next Zack Baun in 2025... and beyond.

Buffalo Bills: Alec Anderson, Josh Palmer, Dorian StrongMiami Dolphins: Zach Sieler, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Jordan PhillipsNew England Patriots: Keion White, K’Lavon Chaisson, Kyle WilliamsNew York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Josh Reynolds, Malachi Moore

Baltimore Ravens: Travis Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Teddye BuchananCincinnati Bengals: DJ Turner II, Tedarrell Slaton, Tahj BrooksCleveland Browns: Martin Emerson Jr., Teven Jenkins, Dylan SampsonPittsburgh Steelers: Calvin Austin III, Brandin Echols, Jack Sawyer

Houston Texans: Tim Settle, Nick Chubb, Jaylen ReedIndianapolis Colts: Jaylon Jones, Kahlil Herbert, Jalen TravisJacksonville Jaguars: Jarrian Jones, Dennis Gardeck, Bhayshul TutenTennessee Titans: Amani Hooker, Kevin Zeitler, Elic Ayomanor

Denver Broncos: Brandon Jones, Evan Engram, Sai’Vion JonesKansas City Chiefs: Jaden Hicks, Elijhah Badger, Nohl WilliamsLas Vegas Raiders: Adam Butler, Elandon Roberts, Dont’e Thornton Jr.Los Angeles Chargers: Tuli Tuipulotu, Donte Jackson, Jamaree Caldwell

Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert, Dante Fowler Jr., Shavon Revel Jr.New York Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Chauncey Golston, Darius AlexanderPhiladelphia Eagles: Reed Blankenship, Azeez Ojuari, Ty RobinsonWashington Commanders: Dorance Armstrong, Javon Kinlaw, Jaylin Lane

Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter Sr., Dayo Odeyingbo, Zah FrazierDetroit Lions: Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox, Ahmed HassaneinGreen Bay Packers: Carrington Valentine, Mecole Hardman Jr., Barryn SorrellMinnesota Vikings: Blake Cashman, Ryan Kelly, Tai Felton

Atlanta Falcons: Darnell Mooney, Leonard Floyd, Xavier WattsCarolina Panthers: D.J. Wonnum, Rico Dowdle, Lathan RansomNew Orleans Saints: Khalen Saunders, Julian Blackmon, Devin NealTampa Bay Buccaneers: Zyon McCollum, Haason Reddick, Elijah Roberts

Arizona Cardinals: James Conner, Calais Campbell, Kitan CrawfordLos Angeles Rams: Cobie Durant, Davante Adams, Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr.San Francisco 49ers: Deommodore Lenoir, Demarcus Robinson, CJ WestSeattle Seahawks: Coby Bryant, DeMarcus Lawrence, Damien Martinez