Broncos Training Camp 2015: Five Most Underrated Players

Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) reacts after making a sack in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

2. Malik Jackson, DL

Malik Jackson, were it not for the next player on our list, is probably the best kept secret in the NFL. Playing a ‘rotational’ role for the Broncos last year at a broad variety of positions, Jackson wound up as one of the most efficient per snap defensive linemen in the entire NFL.

In fact, he was so good and so disruptive last season, he earned a spot on Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players from the 2014 season.

Dating back to 2013, it’s been clear the Broncos have a budding star on their hands, but it might not become abundantly clear until he sees starter snaps this season. Jackson didn’t put up jaw dropping numbers, none that would have earned him a Pro Bowl bid or anything like that, but he was consistently the Broncos’ best defensive lineman last year and he proved that he’s worthy of a major leap of faith in 2015 as he gets set to become the focal point of the line now with Terrance Knighton in Washington.

Next: Chris Harris Jr.