Tom Blair Spotlights 16 Underappreciated NFC Players for 2026 NFL Season

3 articles · Updated · NFL.com · May 26

Tom Blair picked one underappreciated player from each of the NFC’s 16 teams, part of an offseason NFL.com series with Gennaro Filice covering the AFC.
3,134 snaps since 2023 put Arizona center Hjalte Froholdt at the top of Blair’s NFC list, while Atlanta linebacker Troy Andersen Deablo and Carolina receiver Jalen Coker were cited for impact that outpaced their recognition.
1,201 rushing yards from Dallas back Javonte Williams, back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from Detroit’s Jameson Williams and 10 touchdowns from Chicago’s D’Andre Swift highlighted veterans Blair argued are still undervalued.
5.9 yards per carry from Eagles back Tank Bigsby, a 0.8% sacks-allowed rate from Seahawks tackle Abe Lucas and a 69.8% catch rate between Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton underscored the data-driven case.
The feature leans on snap counts, EPA splits, efficiency rates and contract value to argue that overlooked contributors could shape NFC teams more than bigger-name stars in 2026.

With the 2026 free agent class so thin, which of these undervalued players will secure the biggest contract extension first?

As AI scouting grows, will human intuition for identifying these 'hidden gems' soon become obsolete in the NFL?

After winning Super Bowl LX, can Dallas Turner escape his mentor's shadow to become the Vikings' next defensive superstar?