The 1990s were packed with big-name stars, but for every household name, there were a handful of guys flying under the radar. These were the glue guys, the grinders, the playmakers who didn’t get enough love back then—but would be lighting it up in today’s game.
Between rule changes, fantasy football, and the rise of social media, today’s NFL would’ve made these guys absolute rockstars. Let’s give them their flowers—25 guys from the ‘90s who would be fan favorites (and fantasy studs) in 2025.
25. Keenan McCardell
Smooth route-runner, reliable hands, and always in the right spot. In today’s pass-heavy league, he’d be catching 100 balls a year.
24. Robert Brooks
Brooks stepped into a tough spot post-Sterling Sharpe and delivered. With today’s spacing and QB play, he’d be a highlight reel regular.
23. Ricky Watters
Watters could run, catch, block, and talk a little trash. His versatility would make him a fantasy football cheat code now.
22. Terry Glenn
Glenn was ahead of his time as a route technician with big-play potential. In today’s offenses, he’d be a WR1 in no time.
21. Lawyer Milloy
Milloy was physical, smart, and always around the ball. With hybrid safeties in demand today, he’d be a coach’s dream.
20. Jake Plummer
“Jake the Snake” had mobility, swagger, and an off-script flair that today’s fans would eat up. Just drop him into a modern spread offense and watch the magic.
19. Ben Coates
Coates was a tight end who played like a power forward. He’d be dominating red zones and stiff-arming DBs weekly now.
18. Tony Tolbert
Tolbert quietly racked up sacks and anchored a nasty Cowboys D-line. In today’s edge-rusher obsessed world, he’d be getting paid.
17. Eric Bieniemy
Before he became a coach, Bieniemy was a tough, productive back who could catch out of the backfield. He’d be a perfect fit in a modern committee-style backfield.
16. Ken Harvey
Harvey was a menace off the edge with Pro Bowl chops and little fanfare. He’d be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate today.
15. Michael Westbrook
Massive frame, speed, and strength—Westbrook had all the tools but never quite got the hype. With better QB play and fewer busted playbooks, he’d be a monster now.
14. Neil O’Donnell
O’Donnell was never flashy, but he rarely made mistakes. In an era that now values efficiency, he’d get way more love today.
13. Aaron Glenn
Glenn was undersized but sticky in coverage and tough as nails. Slot corner is now a premium role, and he’d be at the top of the market.
12. Kevin Glover
Glover was a quietly elite center who anchored Barry Sanders’ offensive line. With today’s love for O-line nerds, he’d finally get some attention.
11. Bryant Young
Young was a beast in the trenches who didn’t always get the national love. In today’s analytics-heavy world, his dominance would stand out big time.
10. Terry Allen
Allen tore up defenses but got overshadowed by flashier backs. He’d be thriving in a Shanahan-style zone scheme right now.
9. Jimmy Smith
Smith was a deep threat with strong hands and crazy consistency. In today’s pass-first NFL, he’d be in the Pro Bowl every year.
8. Chad Brown
Brown could rush the passer, stop the run, and cover. That kind of versatility would make him a defensive centerpiece in 2025.
7. Henry Ellard
Ellard had elite footwork, elite production, and elite sleep-on-him energy. His crisp routes and field awareness would make him a modern WR coach’s favorite player.
6. Hardy Nickerson
Nickerson was the heart of every defense he played on. Today, he’d be the tone-setter and mic’d-up leader every Sunday.
5. Chris Warren
Warren was a no-nonsense runner who always moved the chains. He’d be that under-the-radar RB who quietly wins you fantasy leagues.
4. Rodney Harrison
Harrison played angry and hit like a truck, but he also had range and instincts. In today’s game, he’d be an All-Pro with a podcast deal.
3. Bobby Engram
Engram was the ultimate slot guy before slot guys were cool. He’d be a target hog in a modern West Coast scheme.
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2. Steve McMichael
McMichael was the kind of interior D-lineman who just wrecked stuff. In the age of Aaron Donald love, he’d be way more appreciated.
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1. Steve Tasker
Tasker was a special teams legend and one of the best gunners ever. In today’s NFL, with more focus on hidden yardage and third phases, he’d be an All-Decade lock.
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