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5 most disrespected players in the NFL in the 2022 season

By Michael Johnson

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after being hit in the head by Eric Weddle #20 of the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter of the game in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after being hit in the head by Eric Weddle #20 of the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter of the game in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Many NFL fans and aficionados have a Top 5 list of players at most positions. There are some guys who are often left out, but it’s time to put some respect on their names. All offseason, we’ve had NFL aficionados come up with lists to highlight the players they thought were the best at their position. We also had the NFL Top 100 list concluded in a controversial fashion. NFL Fans know the top guys in the NFL. Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, Trent Williams, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahamoes are in a class of their own.

After a historical season, Cooper Kupp made a case for the best at his position, but most will say Davante Adams has the crown. Guys like Micah Parsons are touted as future Hall of Famers. And Justin Herbert has the crown of the next great quarterback. The list goes on, but there are some guys who didn’t get the hype they deserved.

Being an underdog can be a good thing, so to speak. Maybe they’d want to keep it that way, but this writer feels that the players on this list should have some respect put on their names. You won’t see any second-year players on this list. They haven’t played long enough to get disrespected. There are some guys that got left off. One guy who didn’t was Derek Carr, but his performance last season, despite his head coaching situation opened a lot of eyes.

Saquon Barkley doesn’t hear his name mentioned as one of the best backs despite his immense talent. He’s a game changer on a mission, but he was a victim of injuries, so he didn’t make the list. So who did? As with any list, there’s bound to be some controversy, so let’s take a look at the most disrespected players in the NFL.

5 NFL players that deserve way more respect in 2022

NFL
NFL, Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

5. Shaquil Barrett, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Next to the offensive line, the linebacker position is the disrespected unit. Gone are the days when linebackers are looked at as the man on defense. Shaquil Barrett is a guy who doesn’t get respect because of the position he plays. When naming some of the best outside linebackers, TJ Watt’s name tops the list, followed by Joey Bosa, Matt Judon, Khalil Mack, and maybe Shaquille Leonard. One guy who should be mentioned at the top is Shaquil Barrett.

Shaquil Barrett was being held back as a member of the Denver Broncos. However, that all changed once he got to Tampa Bay. The Bucs unleashed Barrett, who destroyed offenses in his first year with the team. In 2019, he totaled 19 sacks as the team’s primary pass rusher. The following season, he helped the Bucs win a Super Bowl on a season where he totaled eight sacks, with 11 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.

Last season he added 10 more sacks bringing his total to 37 with the Bucs. Barrett also does a good job dropping back in coverage, as evident by the seven interceptions he totaled since joining the Bucs.

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