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It's a difficult issue when defining just who is underrated in any sport, maybe football is the hardest. Every team has its own scheme, its own set of play-calls that utilize their players in a different way, so as fans we'll see any player from a unique perspective.

Kerry Rhodes is the free safety for the New York Jets, he was drafted in 2005 from Louisville in the 4th round. No fan can argue with what they got for that pick as Rhodes exploded onto the field in his first year with over 100 tackles, a nice return from a 4th rounder. Another great year followed with Rhodes making four interceptions and a staggering eight sacks to add to his 98 tackles.

In 2007 Rhodes was part of a better defensive unit overall, his numbers declined because of it but he still found a way to snag five more interceptions. That's been his game throughout his short three year football career so far, the ability to make a game-changing play, a sack, force a fumble or make that all important stop when needed.

Rhodes lack of attention and Pro Bowl recognition is probably down to the New York Jets struggles in the AFC to make the play-offs and compete in the tough AFC East, until the New England Patriots falter, this will take some time to achieve. Fans like winners so the better teams get more coverage and more respect, safety Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers can make the Pro Bowl on eight games so there's something wrong somewhere.

Another player that should have received defensive player of the year honors (instead of just rookie defensive player) for 2007 is linebacker Patrick Willis. Picked 12th overall by the Sanfrancisco 49ers in the 2007 draft, he had a phenomenal first season in the NFL. Racking up an astounding 174 tackles, Willis proved to be one of the best defensive players to ever grace a pro field. Not since linebacker Ray Lewis in his prime have we been witness to a player of his ability, high praise indeed but barring any major injury, he could one of the best ever.

In three of the games, Willis topped 18 tackles twice and had a 20 tackle performance, and around mid-season, a broken hand couldn't prevent the rookie from playing out the season; his durability cannot be questioned. There is a never-say-die attitude to his play, he appears to never quit on a play and always finds himself at the ball-carrier. Willis also finds himself on a losing squad like Rhodes, but his numbers jumped off the stats sheet, so too hard to ignore for the Pro Bowl voters.

Without the tackles would he have been noticed as much? His efforts were effectively wasted in many games because the Sanfrancisco offense was so anemic. He has to be considered underrated because the 49ers are a losing team at the moment, once the defense gets more balanced and Willis is not relied on so much then maybe he will be considered one of the best players on defense in the NFL.

There are many more unsung football players out there, the nearly players, but really, they are the real football players, the hardest workers on the team that just play football without all the media hype.

Learn more about this author, Wayne Reeves.
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