I have been a Cowboy fan for over 30 years and I have seen many great players come and go during that span. Some of these players are widely acknowledged to be among the best in the game but along the way there are some rather underappreciated great players as well. The following is a list of the 5 most underrated Dallas Cowboys players, in my opinion, that have played for this organisation. 5. Flozell Adams (LT/G) He enjoyed a very successful career playing guard and tackle during the Parcells era and he was a 5 time pro-bowl selection. The reason that he is on this list is that he is often overlooked due to the wealth of great offensive lineman that have played for the Cowboys over the years. His value was never more evident than in the 2010 playoff loss to the Vikings, things fell apart quickly for Dallas when he left the game injured.
- Dexter Coakley(LB)
Coakley was one of the few bright spots on a steadily declining Cowboys team during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. He earned 3 trips to the pro-bowl but is hardly mentioned among the great linebackers in club history.
- Kevin Smith(CB)
The Super bowl winning teams of the 90’s were loaded with defensive talent. Cornerback Larry Brown won the Super MVP Award in 1996, but it was Kevin Smith who was the best corner on the team during the dynasty years. Surprisingly, he only made the pro-bowl once during his stellar career.
- Jim Jeffcoat (DE)
Only DeMarcus Ware has more career sacks as a Cowboy than Jeffcoat. He produced consistently on the terrible teams of the late 80’s and was a key part of the defensive line rotation during 90’s dynasty. Amazingly, he was never once voted to the pro-bowl during his great career despite producing double digit sacks in 5 separate seasons. #1. Russell Maryland (DT) Maryland was the number 1 overall pick in 1990 and some label him as a bust due to his modest career sack numbers. However, in large part due to his ability to take on blockers and his effectiveness in the run game, he made his teammates around him that much better. He only ever made the pro-bowl once, but after he left in free agency following the 1996 Super Bowl win, the Cowboys never won another Super Bowl or even advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs.
