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.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: Alec Anderson, Josh Palmer, Dorian Strong
Miami Dolphins: Zach Sieler, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Jordan Phillips
New England Patriots: Keion White, K’Lavon Chaisson, Kyle Williams
New York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Josh Reynolds, Malachi Moore
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: Travis Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Teddye Buchanan
Cincinnati Bengals: DJ Turner II, Tedarrell Slaton, Tahj Brooks
Cleveland Browns: Martin Emerson Jr., Teven Jenkins, Dylan Sampson
Pittsburgh Steelers: Calvin Austin III, Brandin Echols, Jack Sawyer
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: Tim Settle, Nick Chubb, Jaylen Reed
Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Jones, Kahlil Herbert, Jalen Travis
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jarrian Jones, Dennis Gardeck, Bhayshul Tuten
Tennessee Titans: Amani Hooker, Kevin Zeitler, Elic Ayomanor
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: Brandon Jones, Evan Engram, Sai’Vion Jones
Kansas City Chiefs: Jaden Hicks, Elijhah Badger, Nohl Williams
Las Vegas Raiders: Adam Butler, Elandon Roberts, Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Los Angeles Chargers: Tuli Tuipulotu, Donte Jackson, Jamaree Caldwell
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert, Dante Fowler Jr., Shavon Revel Jr.
New York Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Chauncey Golston, Darius Alexander
Philadelphia Eagles: Reed Blankenship, Azeez Ojuari, Ty Robinson
Washington Commanders: Dorance Armstrong, Javon Kinlaw, Jaylin Lane
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter Sr., Dayo Odeyingbo, Zah Frazier
Detroit Lions: Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox, Ahmed Hassanein
Green Bay Packers: Carrington Valentine, Mecole Hardman Jr., Barryn Sorrell
Minnesota Vikings: Blake Cashman, Ryan Kelly, Tai Felton
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons: Darnell Mooney, Leonard Floyd, Xavier Watts
Carolina Panthers: D.J. Wonnum, Rico Dowdle, Lathan Ransom
New Orleans Saints: Khalen Saunders, Julian Blackmon, Devin Neal
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zyon McCollum, Haason Reddick, Elijah Roberts
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: James Conner, Calais Campbell, Kitan Crawford
Los Angeles Rams: Cobie Durant, Davante Adams, Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr.
San Francisco 49ers: Deommodore Lenoir, Demarcus Robinson, CJ West
Seattle Seahawks: Coby Bryant, DeMarcus Lawrence, Damien Martinez
