CBS Sports - Most Overrated and Underrated Vikings
Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 8:55 am
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/photos/eac ... -for-2017/
What say you?
Overrated: Barr
He looked to be on his way to being a future star heading into the 2016 season. But he didn't come close to playing as expected. One of the better run-and-chase linebackers in the league in 2015, he wasn't the same player. He missed tackles and didn't get to the ball enough.
Underrated: Hunter
This third-year player is expected to be a full-time starter for the first time in his career. He has 18.5 sacks in his first two seasons, including 12.5 last season. He has a chance be one of the league's next great pass rushers.
Other teams:
Packers
Overrated: LB Clay Matthews
He is still considered a big-time player by some, but he hasn't been that in a few years. He was once a dominant player, but he isn't close to that anymore. He's solid, but not much more. He has a combined 11.5 sacks the past two seasons, although he has played inside a lot as well. He has also missed time with injuries, playing 12 games last season.
Underrated: LT David Bakhtiari
When all the good left tackles are discussed, his name rarely gets mentioned. But he has developed into one of the better pass protectors in the league, which is even more important with Aaron Rodgers throwing so much under center.
Bears
Overrated: RT Bobby Massie
It's hard to find one on their roster, but I went with Massie. The Bears gave Massie a three-year deal last spring as a free agent worth $19 million and he responded with a terrible season. Massie flashed with the Cardinals during his time with the team, which is why the Bears expected more from him last season.
Underrated: DT Akiem Hicks
He signed a two-year deal with the Bears last spring as a free agent and responded with a season that saw him play as the team's best down lineman. Hicks is a big man who commands the double, but he also can push the pocket, as his seven sacks attest. He can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season, so this is a money year for him.
Lions
Overrated: TE Eric Ebron
He had 61 catches last season with one touchdown, but you expect so much more. Not only that, he isn't a great blocker in the run game. This former first-round pick has the tools to be so much more.
Underrated: DE Kerry Hyder
He is a self-made player who spent time on some practice squads before becoming a sometimes starter last season for the Lions. He led the team in sacks with 8.5 in 2016 although he started just two games. Hyder doesn't have great athletic ability or size, but he gets by with his effort and toughness.
What say you?
Overrated: Barr
He looked to be on his way to being a future star heading into the 2016 season. But he didn't come close to playing as expected. One of the better run-and-chase linebackers in the league in 2015, he wasn't the same player. He missed tackles and didn't get to the ball enough.
Underrated: Hunter
This third-year player is expected to be a full-time starter for the first time in his career. He has 18.5 sacks in his first two seasons, including 12.5 last season. He has a chance be one of the league's next great pass rushers.
Other teams:
Packers
Overrated: LB Clay Matthews
He is still considered a big-time player by some, but he hasn't been that in a few years. He was once a dominant player, but he isn't close to that anymore. He's solid, but not much more. He has a combined 11.5 sacks the past two seasons, although he has played inside a lot as well. He has also missed time with injuries, playing 12 games last season.
Underrated: LT David Bakhtiari
When all the good left tackles are discussed, his name rarely gets mentioned. But he has developed into one of the better pass protectors in the league, which is even more important with Aaron Rodgers throwing so much under center.
Bears
Overrated: RT Bobby Massie
It's hard to find one on their roster, but I went with Massie. The Bears gave Massie a three-year deal last spring as a free agent worth $19 million and he responded with a terrible season. Massie flashed with the Cardinals during his time with the team, which is why the Bears expected more from him last season.
Underrated: DT Akiem Hicks
He signed a two-year deal with the Bears last spring as a free agent and responded with a season that saw him play as the team's best down lineman. Hicks is a big man who commands the double, but he also can push the pocket, as his seven sacks attest. He can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season, so this is a money year for him.
Lions
Overrated: TE Eric Ebron
He had 61 catches last season with one touchdown, but you expect so much more. Not only that, he isn't a great blocker in the run game. This former first-round pick has the tools to be so much more.
Underrated: DE Kerry Hyder
He is a self-made player who spent time on some practice squads before becoming a sometimes starter last season for the Lions. He led the team in sacks with 8.5 in 2016 although he started just two games. Hyder doesn't have great athletic ability or size, but he gets by with his effort and toughness.