This week for the eighth 2022 Underestimated Player Spotlight, I focus on a defensive player. This player has been on multiple teams. The player has been appreciated by each team he has been on, but overcome by injuries over the years. This week’s 2022 Underestimated Player Spotlight is on Kwon Alexander, linebacker for the New York Jets.
2022 Underestimated Player Spotlight: College
Kwon Alexander attended LSU from 2012 to 2014. In his first year, he did not make a huge impact, but his next two seasons were when he showed what he could do. All three years were also bowl years for LSU. He played for three years until he was drafted in the 2015 NFL draft.
In his three years, Alexander had a total of 167 combined tackles, 78 of which were solo, according to Sports Reference. He also had a total of 15 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Unfortunately, he did not catch any interceptions. Alexander did have five pass deflections and three forced fumbles though, in addition to a fumble recovery for 15 yards. The fact he did not have one interception in three years could be a factor as to why he was not drafted early in the NFL Draft.
2022 Underestimated Player Spotlight: Career
Kwon Alexander was drafted in the fourth round with the 124th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL draft. Since being drafted, Alexander has been with four teams, yet is still a 2022 underestimated player. Alexander is currently the linebacker with the New York Jets. The other two teams Alexander has been with are the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints.
In his career, Alexander has had a total of 574 combined tackles, 404 of which have been solo, and 47 tackles for loss, according to Pro Football Reference. Alexander also has had 12.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits. As for turnovers, Alexander has caught eight interceptions, one of which resulted in a touchdown. He has also had 11 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Despite being in the league since 2015, Alexander is still playing and these statistics are still growing. Alexander also has had a total of 33 pass deflections.
What has been the most difficult for Alexander during his time in the NFL, is the number of games he has missed due to injuries. If he were more healthy during the course of his career, he may not be a 2022 underestimated player. When healthy, Alexander produces well, but in the NFL, health is wealth.
2022 Underestimated Player Spotlight: 2022 Season
This season, Kwon Alexander is with the New York Jets who have done surprisingly well as a team. Alexander has played with head coach Robert Saleh once before, back in 2019 when they were both a part of the San Francisco 49ers SuperBowl run. Saleh was the defensive coordinator at the time, and this year the Jets’ defense has been doing very well.
This season, Alexander has had a total of 53 combined tackles, 33 of which have been solo, according to ESPN. He also has had one forced fumble and one pass deflection. Alexander also has 0.5 sacks. While this year’s statistics are not the best, he still has many tackles and is a 2022 underestimated player. Opposing offenses may see his injury history and doubt him, but he still brings energy to his team.
Despite playing in the league for eight years, Alexander is still a young player at only 28 years old. The injuries have set him back, but he is still a strong player.
Be sure to watch this week’s 2022 Underestimated Player Spotlight against the Bills in Buffalo. The Jets have a 7-5 record, but as things stand would be the seventh seed in the AFC Playoffs.
For more NFL and NCAA Content:
Check out my most recent NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight Check out my most recent article on Brock Purdy taking over for the 49ers. Also, check out how the 12-team college football playoff expansion will affect Penn State. Also, be sure to check out my most recent 49ers article.