Justin Fields, Quentin Johnston, Harold Landry, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are the Week 1 Hidden Stars of the NFL

Every team features players whose talent often eclipses their public recognition for a variety of reasons. It could be that the team’s overall morale is low, making it tough to attract attention. Maybe a player sits further down the depth chart, waiting for a coach to finally spot their potential. At times, athletes who once didn’t perform well suddenly emerge, making it hard for fans to quickly adapt to their newfound visibility. Then there’s the possibility of a player being overlooked in the draft, working hard just to climb the ranks for a chance to shine.

Regardless, there’s an effort to spotlight these often-ignored athletes through the weekly “Secret Superstars” series. This initiative, run by SB Nation, utilizes game footage, metrics, and testimonials from players and coaches to highlight four underrated players each week, giving them the recognition they truly deserve for their on-field contributions.

First Week’s Featured Players

This week, the spotlight is on four secret superstars. For full profiles, click on the respective links.

Washington Commander RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Croskey-Merritt is making waves, focusing on his new role. After a trade that had Robinson moving to the San Francisco 49ers, Croskey-Merritt found himself behind Ekeller on the depth chart. Ekeller, known for his receiving skills, contrasts with Robinson’s former role, setting the stage for the 5’11”, 208-pound Croskey-Merritt—nicknamed “Bill” in his youth—to make a strong impression.

And he did just that against the New York Giants during Washington’s week-long victory. He managed to rack up 82 rushing yards and a touchdown, showcasing his abilities effectively against a formidable defensive line. All of his runs came from a pistol formation, often supported by tight end John Bates. Croskey-Merritt exhibited impressive patience and decision-making while demonstrating speed and agility in his plays.

Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston

Johnston has recently redeemed himself at just the right moment. As one of the receivers from the 2023 draft, he finished strong in the 2025 season with considerable targets and receptions, ranking high in various categories, including touchdowns. He experienced challenges with dropped passes, but I guess it’s a common issue among receivers at this level.

In a recent game, Johnston caught five passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns, displaying a consistent performance that the Chargers had hoped for when they drafted him. Through his keen ability to maintain his catch rate, he positioned himself well on the field, reinforcing the trust the team is placing in him.

New York Jets QB Justin Fields

Fields, who had been somewhat overlooked, could be the franchise quarterback that no one saw coming. Early in the season, he recovered as Russell Wilson focused on his return, and this transition came at a critical time for him and the Jets under new management. Despite receiving a modest contract that made him one of the lesser-paid starters in the league, Fields has been making waves since stepping onto the field.

In a surprising debut against the Steelers, Fields completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards, scored one touchdown, and made notable running plays, proving to be a valuable asset for the Jets moving forward.

New England Patriots Edge Harold Landry

The Patriots, in this era of transformation, featured new leadership and fresh talent. Among the additions is Harold Landry, a former Tennessee Titan who signed a significant deal. His performance against the Raiders in the season opener was impressive, delivering three sacks and eight pressures, highlighting his disruptive capacity on the field.