Pittsburgh Steelers' inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons might be the most underrated linebacker in the NFL. Also, the most overlooked.
ESPN.com has begun their online rankings of the top 100 defenders, and the Steelers linebacker ranks at No. 77 for the 2014 season. As shocking as that ranking might be, he actually dropped in the rankings from the 2013 ranking where he was ranked No. 62.
Timmons continues to fly under the radar in terms of the average football fan for whatever reason.
It certainly isn't production that is keeping him out of the spotlight. Since 2010, Timmons is the only player with at least 10 sacks and 8 interceptions. Timmons is constantly among the team leaders in tackles, and has become one of the most reliable players on the Steelers' defense.
Some attribute Timmons' mild mannered demeanor and essentially anti-Ray Lewis approach to the game as a reason why he doesn't get the recognition he deserves.
Whatever the reason, Timmons finds himself out of the Pro Bowl annually and never in the discussion in terms of the best linebackers in the league.
For Steelers fans, that is all well and good, because only a fan base like Steeler Nation would appreciate a guy who keeps his mouth shut and just goes out and does his job day in and day out.
Regardless of where he ranks in preseason polls.