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Who is the most underrated New Orleans Saints player? Some might answer linebacker Demario Davis, or right tackle Ryan Ramczyk — neither of them have ever been voted into the Pro Bowl. Cornerback Eli Apple has done a lot to shed the “draft bust” label he was hit with earlier in his New York Giants career. Rookie punt and kickoffs returner Deonte Harris is among the best in the NFL at what he does. There are even arguments to make for fullback Zach Line and tight end Josh Hill as deep cuts who get appreciated by only the most ardent fans.
According to the analysts at Pro Football Focus, the title of most-underrated belongs to free safety Marcus Williams. PFF listed the candidates for every team in the NFL, and Williams was their pick for the Saints:
The highest-graded safety in the NFL isn’t a household name, but he really should be. Marcus Williams currently sits at the top with a 91.4 grade and has been playing better than any big-name safety you can think of. Williams has been on lockdown in coverage, with just 73 yards allowed in 445 coverage snaps, and he has more combined interceptions and pass breakups (8) than receptions allowed (7).
Those numbers are very impressive for Williams, who has already matched his single-season high for interceptions (4) in six fewer games. Now that he’s hurdled whatever mental blocks followed the Minneapolis Miracle to improve his tackling technique and trust his instincts, he’s become one of the NFL’s best center field ball hawks.
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