The tenth NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight is here. This week the spotlight goes to another defensive player, who has not been talked about too much this season. This player is on the San Francisco 49ers, and it makes sense why this person may be overshadowed by others. This week’s NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight is on Azeez Al-Shaair, one of the many great linebackers for the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight: College
Linebacker, Al-Shaair played for Florida Atlantic for four years before entering the NFL. Al-Shaair played almost every game in college; however, in his final season, he only played six games. His junior year was the only bowl season for the school, and he was a part of the reason the school made it that far.
In his four years playing for Florida Atlantic, Al-Shaair had a total of 395 combined tackles, 201 of which were solo, and 7.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. The linebacker also had a total of 31 tackles for loss, which is crucial for any defense. Unfortunately, Al-Shaair only totaled one forced fumble and one interception, but his one interception did go for 30 yards. Al-Shaair also totaled six pass deflections.
The Florida Atlantic Owls is a part of the CUSA, which is not the highest conference in college football. It is always great to see players make their name known and make it into the NFL from a conference full of doubt. Al-Shaair was a strong player in college and deserves to make the NFL Underestimated player spotlight.
NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight: Career
Azeez Al-Shaair joined the 49ers ahead of the 2019 season as an undrafted free agent. The team has done well with late picks and undrafted players, and Al-Shaair is an example of this. In his four years in the NFL, he has only played for the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers are known for their powerful defense, and Al-Shaair has been a big part of that. In the 2021 season, Al-Shaair had a great year. This season has been a great one for fellow linebackers, Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner, making Al-Shaair overshadowed, but he still deserves to make this NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight.
In his four years in the NFL, Al-Shaair has had a total of 180 combined tackles, 102 of which have been solo, and two sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. The linebacker has also forced 11 tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and seven pass deflections. As for turnovers, Al-Shaair has had two interceptions for 24 total yards. He has also forced two fumbles and recovered three for 17 total yards. While Al-Shaair may be overshadowed, he has still been important for the 49ers.
NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight: 2022 Season
As noted, Al-Shaair has been overshadowed this season by the other linebackers on the strong 49ers defense. The linebacker has still played the majority of the 2022 season and is worthy to make this NFL Underestimated player spotlight. Last offseason, Al-Shaair was a restricted free agent, and the 49ers were fortunate enough to keep him for this 2022 season.
This season, Al-Shaair has had a total of 25 combined tackles, 11 of which have been solo, according to ESPN. The linebacker has also recovered a fumble this year and took it for five yards. This season may not have his best statistics, but without him, the team would miss out on one of the most solid depth pieces a defense can ask for.
For More NFL and NCAA Content:
Be sure to check out last week’s, Underestimated Player Spotlight to see who I chose. Also, check out this article on the 49ers. Also, check out my most recent article about the 49ers’ top players against the Seahawks, and if it is time for running back Jordan Mason to get more playing time.
Be sure to check out this article explaining Michael Dixon’s transfer to Rutgers, and last week’s Top 5 Rutgers Games of the Season. Finally, here are my offseason priorities for the Penn State Nittany Lions will be, and their top players who have already declared for the NFL Draft.
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