Mailbag: Under-the-radar players to watch?

Every season, fans and analysts focus on the big names—the superstars, the highly-touted recruits, and the headline-grabbing veterans. But in the background, there are always players quietly making their mark, ready to turn heads when given the opportunity. These under-the-radar talents can be the difference-makers for their teams, and spotting them early can give fans a real edge in understanding the season’s storylines.

1. Emerging Stars in College Football
College football is full of players flying under the radar. While most attention goes to top draft prospects or household names, each team has unsung heroes who quietly rack up impressive stats or make pivotal plays. For example, look for quarterbacks with efficient passing metrics but fewer highlight-reel moments, or wide receivers consistently making contested catches without national recognition. These players often become breakout stars by midseason.

2. Hidden Gems in the NFL
The NFL draft is highly scrutinized, yet every year, a few late-round picks or undrafted free agents become key contributors. Running backs with versatile skill sets, linebackers with underrated coverage ability, or offensive linemen quietly excelling in pass protection are often overlooked in mainstream discussions. These players can become indispensable for their teams once injuries or scheme changes create opportunities.

3. Watch for Role Players Who Could Break Out
Not every under-the-radar player is a rookie or newcomer. Veterans who haven’t yet had their moment can suddenly emerge due to shifts in team dynamics, coaching changes, or simply being given more playing time. These players can make a huge impact, especially in close games where depth matters.

4. Key Traits to Spot in Under-the-Radar Players

• Consistency: Players who consistently perform well, even if quietly, are often ready for a bigger stage.

• Versatility: The ability to play multiple roles or adapt to different schemes increases their value.

• Work Ethic: Often overlooked, a strong work ethic is a hallmark of players who eventually rise from obscurity.

• Big-Game Performance: Some players shine when it matters most, making them invaluable in playoff or rivalry situations.

5. Final Thoughts
While the spotlight may shine brightest on stars and headline-makers, the magic of sports often comes from the unexpected heroes—the under-the-radar players who rise when the opportunity presents itself. Paying attention to these talents can deepen your appreciation for the game and give fans something exciting to follow beyond the obvious storylines.

Who are your favorite under-the-radar players this season? Keep an eye on them—they might just become tomorrow’s stars.

Patrik: There are a handful I believe could fit this bill, to be honest. From the rookie aspect, I’d look for both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah (once healthy) to make a solid, if not higher, impact on the 2025 season. It’s a room that remains wide open to this point, if you ask me. I also believe Ryan Flournoy will stun a lot of people in the next several months, his only caveat being the number of targets; but look for him to make the most of them when he gets the ball in his hands. James Houston was a menace this entire summer off of the edge, so there’s another who not many are talking about outside of Dallas — though they likely will be in the near future. The same can be said about Damone Clark coming off of the best training camp of his NFL career so, yeah, there are definitely a handful I have no problem drawing a circle around on the depth chart.