Dallas Cowboys: Who was the most underrated player of 2020?

The Sport DFW staff picks who is the most underrated Dallas Cowboys player of 2020.

It’s tough to be recognized as underrated when the team itself underperformed as much as they did. To say the Dallas Cowboys fell short of expectations in 2020 is an understatement. So it’s fairly understandable for fans to be ultra critical of the players – even if it’s not entirely fair.

Some members of the Sport DFW staff met this past week to discuss such a topic. Which players were the biggest disappointments, which were pleasant surprises, and which are underrated?

We published the first two already so I invite you to catch up and chime in. Now it’s time for the last one – the most underrated Dallas Cowboys player of 2020.

Ben Davila, Sport DFW Contributor

The most Underrated Player here is still probably Andy Dalton. He was thrust into the starter role, was then injured, then infected with Covid, and still did everything he could to get the Cowboys to the playoffs.

He fell short, and has already indicated that he is going to explore the free agent market. I can’t help but root for him. Thanks for being a tough son of a gun.

Dink Kearney, Sport DFW Contributor

This is a tie between Andy Dalton and Randy Gregory. Let me explain. Dalton got off to a shaky start with a concussion and dealing with Covid-19. As a result, Dalton’s quarterback play was sporadic at best. But over the last five games, Dalton found his groove and returned the Dallas Cowboys offense to one of the best in the league. Dalton was utilizing all of his offensive weapons.

But for a man to has not played football since 2018, Randy Gregory should be in the conversation too. He quietly filled out the stat sheet with 3.5 sacks, 20 combo tackles, 15 solo, five assisted, four tackles for loss, and 12 dangerous, quarterback hits.

It’s not a coincidence that fellow edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence found it a lot easier to get to the quarterback more frequently once 94 started playing. Gregory might be naturally talented, but for a man to come in make major contributions like he did, speaks volumes about his commitment to the team. And that’s just awesome..

Reid Hanson, Sport DFW Expert

I’m going to hedge a little as well. I first wanted to say DeMarcus Lawrence was my most underrated player since many of his critics are hung up on sacks and not paying mind to pressure rate, tackles for loss, or film. But I ultimately think majority of fans respect him and understand he’s far and away the best player on this defense.

So I’m going to get controversial and say guard Connor Williams is my pick for most underrated.

<pause for collective gasp>

For some reason, Cowboys Nation seems to hate the former second round pick out of Texas. Williams, a career college tackle, has been used exclusively at guard since joining the NFL. And for the most part, he’s handled the transition quite well.