NFL All-Underrated Team: In the Trenches

New York, NY (PSF) — Most of the unsung heroes in the NFL are linemen. They have the hardest job of any position group and never seem to get any praise unless they have a legendary season. On both sides of the ball, linemen give way for others to take the spotlight. Whether it is uplifting a running back or quarterback or filling gaps so that the linebackers look good, linemen take the brunt of the physical toll without the glory of other positions. In this article, I will highlight six linemen (three on offense and three on defense) who have elevated their squads around them and made everyone else’s job just a little bit easier.

Christian Darrisaw (Tackle) - Minnesota Vikings

Christian Darrisaw has made himself a staple on the Vikings’ offensive line. He has anchored down the left side of Minnesota’s line, protecting Kirk Cousin’s blindside, and coming into his own in the pass-blocking game. He played 910 snaps this year, only giving up five sacks and accounting for two penalties. It was only his second year in action, but he is on track to become a great young tackle and a dependable backside defender for years to come. I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to have a cornerstone at Left Tackle for right-handed quarterbacks. Darrisaw fills that role well and I would not be surprised if he was popping up on the All-Pro team soon. The future is bright for him and people should start noticing the greatness in his game.

Andrew Thomas (Tackle) - New York Giants

Andrew Thomas has been one of if not the most overlooked player on this list. He has been nothing short of amazing after having a dreadful rookie year. He started to gain speed this year with a second-team All-Pro selection. However, I think that he is the top tackle in the league. He played 1,174 snaps this year giving up a measly three sacks with only two penalties. He did not miss a snap because of injury and the only time he was not on the field was because the Giants’ backups were in. He was a highlight on a struggling Giants offensive line and his play led to Daniel Jones’ most successful season. Jones was able to have confidence and not have to look over his shoulder because Thomas was a brick wall. Certainly, Thomas will become a top-tier lineman in the next couple of years.

Tyler Linderbaum (Center) - Baltimore Ravens

A rookie has made the list and for good reason. Tyler Linderbaum was a first-round selection in the 2022 Draft out of Iowa. A mauler who showed great leadership in his college career. That has carried over well to the NFL. He played 1,161 snaps giving up three sacks and six penalties. That’s extremely impressive by itself but when you factor in his presence in the Ravens’ run game, it is shocking how much he meant to this team. He led one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL and it was no secret that the Ravens loved to run behind him. He ranked top ten in both overall and run-blocking grades via Pro Football Focus. As a rookie, you are finding your feet in the league and only a handful of rookies make impacts for their teams. Linderbaum has been able to take a leadership role within his unit and team and it will be great to see him develop over the coming years.

Josh Uche (Edge) - New England Patriots

Josh Uche had an extremely impressive season this year in Foxborough. He had 11.5 sacks this year as well as two three-sack games. He had 23 solo tackles, nine of them for loss along with 14 QB hits and two forced fumbles. He has come into his own for the Pats and has formed quite the tandem with Matthew Judon, becoming one of the most fearsome pass rush duos in the NFL. He exploded this year after having only four sacks in his first two years in the league. Look for him to skyrocket up the pass-rushing lists shortly.

Christian Wilkins (Defensive Tackle) - Miami Dolphins

The second Christian to make this team, and deservedly so. Wilkins has been the personality of the Miami Dolphins, he’s exciting to watch and his on-the-field antics make him one of the best players to give the mic to. He has the stats to back up his words as he has become a force in the middle of the Dolphins’ defense. He had 59 solo tackles, three and a half sacks, and two forced fumbles. He has progressively gotten better since his rookie year in 2019 and he is a vocal leader on the field. He earned his Captain’s Patch this year and we will continue to see the impact he makes down the road for the Dolphins.

B.J. Hill (Defensive Tackle) - Cincinnati Bengals

B.J. Hill has been an unsung hero in the middle of the Bengals’ defense. He was paid to swallow gaps and he has done just that. He amassed 49 solo tackles, 22 assists, five sacks, and one forced fumble all of which ranked in the top 10 for defensive linemen. He has made it almost impossible for teams to run up the middle against Cincinnati and credit is due. Hill flew under the radar in free agency last year but earned the 3-year 30 million dollar extension that the Bengals gave him. In the deal’s first year, Hill has earned every penny.