Finding players that “everyone knows” is easy, but the real fun in football is spotting the talent that’s brewing just beneath the surface. As we head into the 2026 postseason and look toward the draft cycle, several names have emerged as quiet stars who are doing the dirty work or putting up elite efficiency without the national spotlight.
Here are 10 under-the-radar NFL players who have been “sneaky good” during the 2025-26 season.
Alec Pierce
Well known for the flashiness, being the stars on the offensive side of the field, starring in commercials are top tier Wide Receivers but Indianpolis Colts receiver is the complete opposite.
“Blue-Collar Vertical Threat” Alec Pierce has built his reputation on unselfishness and high effort efficiency.
Heavily contributed to the Colts hot start with his impressive statistical season. 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns. He became the first player this century (and the first since DeSean Jackson in 2010) to record a 1,000-yard season on fewer than 50 receptions.
In a position known for sideline theatrics, Pierce has become a coach’s dream in Indianapolis:
- The “Unselfish” Blocker: He is frequently cited by Shane Steichen for his “100% effort” downfield blocks that spring Jonathan Taylor for long touchdowns.
- Evolution of the Route Tree: Under Reggie Wayne’s mentorship, Pierce has expanded his game into the intermediate middle, becoming a reliable third-down weapon rather than just a “go-ball” specialist.
- The “Combat Catch” Savant: Standing 6’3″ with a massive vertical, he excels at “high-pointing” the ball in traffic—playing a physical, hard-nosed brand of football that most speedsters avoid.
Pierce leading the NFL in yards per reception for two years straight and hitting 1000 yard mark on 47 catches might get a huge bag from the Colts with pricey $28M Franchise Tag or test free agency. Most playoff contending team needs Alec Pierce to lead them to the promise land and he deserves a huge bag.
“I got great relationships here with this organization, with the people in this building, the city,” Pierce said. “They’ve done so much for me so far, so I definitely would love to continue to be a part of this organization, and we’ll see where things go.” https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/upcoming-free-agent-alec-pierce-173925608.html
Michael Wilson
Remains overshadowed by talented offensive teammates Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride for brand recognition but Michael Wilson is statistical beast hitting the thousand yard mark which deserves it’s respect.
2025 Season Stats
The 1,000-Yard Milestone: He is the first Arizona Cardinals receiver to hit 1,000 yards in a season since DeAndre Hopkins in 2020.
Elite “Alpha” Stretch: During Weeks 11–13 (when Marvin Harrison Jr. was sidelined), Wilson averaged a 32.5% target share, proving he can function as a team’s primary receiving option.
Career Game: His statistical peak came in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he hauled in 15 receptions for 185 yards.
Red Zone Reliability: He finished the 2025 season with a career-high 7 touchdowns, becoming a preferred target in the “clutch” for both Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett.
The Stats: Week 11 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Michael Wilson’s most impressive game of the 2025 season was his Week 11 performance against the San Francisco 49ers.
With star rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined, Wilson was elevated to the WR1 role for the first time in his career. He responded with a historic performance that statistically rivaled any receiver in the league that year.
- Receptions: 15 (a career-high and the 2nd most in Cardinals franchise history)
- Receiving Yards: 185 (a career-high and the most by any Cardinal since 2022)
Enters 2026 in the final year of his rookie contract, will play like his life depending on it. Working his ass off during the off-season and regular season to make sure he maximizes his worth and make’s life changing $50million-$90 million dollars from the Cardinals or auditioning for 31 other teams. Michael Wilson played for the Cowboys, New York, Rams, 49ers he’d be way more popular receiver.
Jayden Higgins
Houston Texans are one of the best young teams in the NFL filled with talent offensively and defensively as consistently hit with picks building there “Core Four” CJ Stroud, Will Anderson JR, Derek Stingley Jr & Nico Collins. Plenty more talent beside the core four is 2025 second round pick, WR Jayden Higgins. Overshadowed by Nico Collins and Tank Dell for good reasons he’s a talented offensive threat his own right.
Jayden Higgins: 2025 Rookie Season Stats
Higgins was selected in the 2nd Round (34th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Iowa State.Playing in a crowded Houston offense, he quietly posted very efficient numbers. 41 Receptions, 525 Receving Yards, 6 Receiving TD’s, 12.8 yds per catch.
Why He’s “Under the Radar” for 2026
- The “Third Option” Tax: Higgins plays behind Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Most casual fans assume he’s just a “role player,” but his 6 touchdowns prove he is C.J. Stroud’s preferred “big target” in the red zone.
- The Nico Collins Clone: At 6’4″ and 215 lbs, he is a physical twin to Nico Collins. Defenses often lose him in coverage because they are so focused on stopping Collins’ deep routes.
- Elite Efficiency: His 6 touchdowns on only 41 catches is a staggering rate. If his target share increases from 11.7% to 18% in 2026, he is a lock for 800+ yards and 10 TDs.
“He’s a dog,” Collins said of Higgins. “Ain’t no ceiling for him. He can do whatever he wants to achieve. Just put his mind to it. I’m taking him versus anybody.”
Next up is the Houston Texans playing against the New England Patriots. Higgins had lackluster peformance against the Steelers but maybe can score a touchdown and few big plays to put his name on the map with bigger audience.
Ricky Pearsall
49ers star studded roster has great names like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Brock Purdy, Fred Warner leading the franchise. Next up is late first round pick Ricky Pearsall young wide receiver. Unfortunately was the victim of armed robbery before Rookie season opener. 2025 season suffered a PCL sprain that put him down for seven weeks however… when he plays he shines and I’m a sucker for route runners.
2025 Season
Pearsall played in 9 regular season games, despite the adversity and injuries had a great 108 yd game against Seahawks 4 receptions week one of the season. Against the tough Cardinals defensive backs Will Johnson, Denzel Burke and Garret Williams. He had 8 receptions for 117 yards.
Recall watching the Bears game and I was seriously impressed with his route running abilities. Gradually see his progression game after game especially against the Bears.
Unable to play against the Eagles in the Wildcard Round but hopefully Pearsall plays against the Seahawks to get more experience and the 49ers definitely need him.
“I think anytime you have really good hands, that’s where it starts with having yards after the catch,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “How quickly you can stop the spin of a ball, tuck it away, and get immediately vertical usually has to do with how good your hands are. Ricky is very good at that. ” Coach Shanahan
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/193614-shanahan-believes-ricky-pearsall-49ers/
Next year hopefully with no injuries Pearsall become rising star instead of sleeper. The kid is gonna be star player for the 49ers just needs to stay healthy. Coach Shanahan has a star on his hands with his great catching abilities, All-Pro receiver potential.
Kyle Monagai
Hottest rising team in the NFL… Chicago Bears lead by NFL rising star Caleb Williams has a loaded offensive roster with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, rising tight end Colston Loveland & Deandre Swift. Creating one of the best offenses in the NFL. Quietly behind them is 2025 7th round pick Running Back, Kyle Monagai. Talking about sleeper pick.
Rookie Season
Played for lower tier Big Ten School Rutgers, 7th round pick, Bears 2nd string Running Back. The story of the under the radar NFL talent.
Monangai’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. He concluded the 2025 regular season with 783 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging a stellar 4.6 yards per carry. More importantly, he did it with the kind of reliability that coaches dream of: unwavering pass protection, brutal short-yardage conversions, and critically a near-flawless ball security record that stretches back to his college days.
He wasn’t the flashiest, or the fastest. But he was consistently effective. He was the dependable engine that kept the Bears’ offense churning, a powerful complement to the more explosive D’Andre Swift. Thunder to Swift’s lightning.
The Breakout Game: Week 9 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Nov 2, 2025)
This is widely considered his best NFL performance. Stepping in as the starter for an injured D’Andre Swift, Monangai carried the offense in a 47-42 victory.
- Stats: 26 carries for 176 rushing yards (6.8 avg) and 3 catches for 22 yards.
- 176 yards rushing was the best for rookie RB in 2025. 2nd most in one game for Bears rookie.
Kyle Monagai can still heavily contribute as the Bears are onto the Divisonal Round of the NFL playoffs playing against tough LA Rams defense. Score a touchdown and some respectable runs he’ll put his name more on notice as rising running back. Looking forward to watching the rest of his season and 2026 season, congratulations to Ben Johnson for having another offensive weapon.
Defensive Players
Garret Williams
Lack of prime time opportunities, failing Cardinals team, and playing slot corner (Nickleback). Playing for Syracuse in college and suffered late week 16 Achilles tear. Perfect characteristics for under the radar player.
The Elite, Unseen Work of the Slot Corner
Williams isn’t flashy in the way a highlight-reel safety might be. His work is more nuanced, more complex, and often, more impactful in the modern NFL.
- PFF’s Secret Weapon: Before his injury in Week 16 of 2025, Williams was quietly rated by Pro Football Focus as the #2 slot cornerback in the entire NFL, boasting an elite 83.7 coverage grade. Think about that: out of hundreds of defensive backs, a former 3rd-round pick, often playing for a struggling team, was statistically one of the best at his position.
- The Modern Necessity: With offenses living in 3- and 4-receiver sets, the slot corner is no longer a niche role; it’s a starting position that demands versatility, quickness, and elite football IQ. Williams masters this. He covers shifty slot receivers, holds his own against tight ends, and blitzes with precision.
“Off the field, I think he’s grown with his process and what he does,” Gannon said. “He’s a guy that—not to get too much into his business—but I felt like was doing a little too much at times so we kind of streamlined his process a little bit. All of our players are different, but he is a guy that pops out in my mind that when he leaves here, he does a lot. I just have talked to him about streamlining what he’s doing from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. to make sure that he’s ready to go. https://cardswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2024/11/14/cardinals-cb-garrett-williams-the-epitome-of-work-ethic-combined-with-skill/76289543007/
Garrett Williams contract year is in 2026 hopefully with great modern medicine is in great recovery and can maximize his value. Potentially can earn 15-17 million dollars in a franchise tag with the Cardinals or test free agency hopefully a competitive playoff contending team.
Cedric Gray
NFL Team in rebuilding mode is the Tennessee Titans drafting there potential “Franchise” QB Cam Ward and drafted core defensive player Cedric Gray. Selected in the 4th round out of lesser football school North Carolina.
Titans Career
Gray missed the first half of his true rookie season (2024) due to a nerve injury in his shoulder. This caused his “market value” to plummet as fans labeled him an injury risk.
The 2025 Breakout: Gray took over a starting role in the Titans’ defense and became a tackling machine. He finished the 2025 season as one of the league’s top-graded rookie/sophomore linebackers, showcasing the sideline-to-sideline speed that made him a star at UNC.
To wrap up our look at Cedric Gray’s 2025 campaign, it is best to view him as the “Stabilizer.” While flashier linebackers chased interceptions, Gray focused on efficiency and volume, making him the defensive equivalent of a “Blue Chip” dividend stock.
Here is the statistical breakdown of his 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans:
The Core Production (Box Score)
Gray finished the year as one of the most consistent tacklers in the AFC South.
- Total Tackles: 114 (68 Solo, 46 Assisted)
- Tackles for Loss (TFL): 7
- Sacks: 3.0
- Forced Fumbles: 2
- Interceptions: 1 (Week 14 vs. Jacksonville)
“He’s really come along, he’s growing, he’s becoming the type of player we envisioned him being. He’s still got things to keep cleaning up, but his production on the ball is undeniable, and his physicality and how he plays is what we’re looking for.” https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/hot-topics-from-titans-hc-brian-callahan-s-monday-presser-x6441
End of 2025 season established himself as the Captain of the defense that he well deserved and a pillar for the Titans for years to come.
Mike Jackson
Complete opposite of recent draft pick was drafted in 2019. Journeyman cornerback trying to find his lane playing for the Cowboys, Giants, Patriots, Seattle and now his current team Carolina Panthers. Respect Mike Jackson patience for staying strong and instead of giving up. Love sport stories like this journeyman players who finally find there fit.
Taking advantage of the injury opportunities and hasn’t looked back since. Jackson was the workhorse of the Panthers’ secondary, starting all 17 games and playing nearly every defensive snap. 2024 lead team with 14 Passes Defended and career and 2025 had 51 solo tackles, 11 Passes Defended and 2 interceptions.
“And just the style of him, the consistency of Mike,” he added. “I’ve known him for a long time. He’s exactly the type of people we want to be here with the culture, the attitude and the professionalism.” Dave Canales Head Coach Panthers said. https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-hc-dave-canales-talks-194523382.html
Statement Game
Week 6 2024 Mike Jackson was the primary defender for great wide receiver Mike Evans. Most cornerbacks struggle as Evans length and size are mismatch but Jackson stood toe to toe. Silenced Evans for 2 catches 18 yards.
Carolina Panthers from laughing stock team were playoff team thanks to the great contribution of lockdown cornerback Mike Jackson. However Mike Jackson is entering free agency and many teams want his services and he deserves every penny maximize his value
Emmanuel Forbes
In the high-stakes theater of the NFL, few paths are linear, especially for a first-round draft pick. Expectations weigh heavily, and the spotlight, though initially a welcome glow, can quickly become an unforgiving glare. Such was the early story of Emmanuel Forbes. Drafted by the Washington Commanders with the 16th overall pick in 2023, Forbes arrived with a collegiate reputation as a historic ball-hawk – a player whose instincts and speed promised immediate defensive fireworks.
Yet, his initial seasons in the nation’s capital were, by his own admission and the harsh judgment of analysts, a struggle. He grappled with the physicality of the pro game, the relentless pace, and the pressure of living up to his lofty draft status.
But here’s where the story takes a fascinating, and largely “under the radar,” turn. In a move that signaled both a fresh start and a leap of faith, Forbes transitioned to the Los Angeles Rams via waiver wire.
Rams Signing
Best thing that ever happened to him was being waived by the Commanders as with the Rams he radically improved, credit to Forbes and McVay for giving him confidence and adapting to his best skills. Instead of being asked to play “bully-ball” on the line of scrimmage (which was his struggle in Washington), the Rams put him in a “Vision-Based” secondary. This allowed him to use his 4.35 speed to play the ball, not just the man.
In 2025, Forbes didn’t just play; he became a “efficiency monster.” Here are the numbers that define his sleeper status:
- Interceptions: 5
- Passes Defensed: 14
- Passer Rating Against: 77.6
- Tackles: 54 Solo / 12 Assisted
“It’s a good question. What you realize is this guy’s grown physically and mentally. You’re seeing him mature as a human being. I think what’s cool is he’s added some weight without losing the athleticism and the movement. You see why he had all the production he did in his college career. He’s got a great concept trigger and great ball skills. I think there are different opportunities that he can play where he’s direct vision on the receiver or he’s being able to play visual on the quarterback with some different things that we do coverage wise.” https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/onsi/los-angeles-aubrey-pleasant-sean-mcvay-darious-williams-emmanuel-forbes
“The lesson of Emmanuel Forbes’ 2025 season is simple: Environment matters. By moving to a Rams system that prioritized his vision and recovery speed over raw physical bullying, Forbes was able to showcase the elite traits that made him a first-round pick. He went from a ‘bust’ headline in D.C. to a ‘stat-sheet stuffer’ in L.A.
Yaya Diaby
In an era dominated by superstar defensive ends and highlight-reel sack totals, true disruptive forces sometimes operate in the shadows. Meet YaYa Diaby, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ edge rusher who, through relentless effort and startling power, quietly established himself as one of the NFL’s most impactful, yet widely “under the radar,” defensive players in the 2025 season. While the national media fawned over flashier names, Diaby was busy wrecking game plans and making quarterbacks uncomfortable, proving that not all chaos agents wear capes on Sunday.
The Blueprint for Disruption: Diaby’s Unseen Impact
Diaby isn’t just a pass-rusher; he’s a backfield disruptor. His game isn’t solely defined by sacks—though those certainly increased in 2025. It’s about collapsing pockets, forcing quick throws, and setting the edge against the run with a ferocity that belies his relatively quiet media presence.
Here’s how his 2025 season truly stood out:
- Sack Totals: 9.5 Sacks (A significant leap, showcasing his improved pass-rush repertoire).
- Quarterback Hits: 20+ (This stat highlights his consistent pressure, even when not getting home for the sack).
- Tackles for Loss (TFLs): 15 (Demonstrating his elite ability to disrupt run plays in the backfield).
- Pressures: 50+ (Proving he’s a constant headache for opposing offensive lines).
- Run Stop Win Rate: Top 10 among Edge Rushers (Confirming his status as a complete, three-down player).
These aren’t just good numbers; they’re the kind of statistics that typically earn a player significantly more recognition. Diaby’s production in 2025 wasn’t a fluke; it was the culmination of relentless effort and a refined technique.YaYa Diaby is the NFL’s version of a marathon runner in a world of sprinters.
He wins through attrition, power, and a relentless motor. In 2025, he proved that he belongs in the conversation with the elite. If you’re still calling him a “sleeper” by the end of 2026, you simply aren’t watching the game. The storm isn’t coming—it’s already here.
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