Top 5 ‘under-the-radar’ NFL free agents

Brandon Spikes, LB (Buffalo Bills)

6’2”, 255 lbs
2014 statistics: 54 combined tackles, 1 sack
2014 cap hit: $3.25 million

Brandon Spikes is a very limited player who performs his limited skills exceptionally well. As an anchor in the middle, Spikes was a stud at defending against the run, both during his time with the New England Patriots and this past season with the Buffalo Bills.

However, he is below average in pass defense, which limits his ability to be placed in different defensive schemes. While his limitations removed him from the field on passing downs, his presence helped the Bills defense finish fourth in the NFL in both scoring defense and yards allowed per game.

Spikes is an undervalued asset, especially for a team that needs toughness in the interior. Spikes’ tendency to be a part of a top defense is no coincidence, and having Spikes will help eliminate the opponent’s ability to consistently gain yardage.

2015 Home: Green Bay Packers

Spikes has experience playing in a 3-4 defense, and the Packers biggest weakness is defending the run throughout the game.

Next: Owen Daniels