The NFL’s Most Undervalued Player
If you ask someone to name the most undervalued players in the NFL, you’ll probably hear the same recycled answers. But I want to give you a name that doesn't get talked about nearly enough.
Undrafted in 2019. Sets the standard for locker room culture, work ethic, and leadership. He’s been on one team his whole career and just got extended for the exact reasons I’m about to lay out.
His name is Ashton Dulin — and here’s why he’s one of the most undervalued players in football.
Credit: Mykal McEldowney | IndyStar
First , Dulin adds value on every side of the ball. But let’s start with where he’s truly elite, and the reason he’s been with Indianapolis since 2019: special teams.
In 2021, Dulin earned 2nd-Team All-Pro honors with a 90.8 PFF grade and 17 special teams tackles (2nd in the NFL). The only guy ahead of him? J.T. Gray, New Orleans’ special teams ace, who posted a 91.2 grade and has been a perennial All-Pro since entering the league. Gray has posted three seasons with PFF grades over 85 since 2018. Dulin already has two such seasons since 2019 (and that includes losing a year to injury).
To put Dulin’s 90.8 season grade into perspective: in the same year, Justin Tucker — who had arguably one of the most accurate kicking seasons of all time — graded at 93.3. Different roles, same elite level.
And even after tearing his ACL, Dulin came back in 2024 with an 85.9 grade, proving he hasn’t lost a step. The impact was obvious: in the two games Dulin missed, the Colts allowed 25.6 yards per return, more than double their season average of 12.7 (via Andrew Moore, Colts SI). That’s not just data — that’s direct proof of his value.
This isn’t just me hyping up a gunner. The greats — most notably Bill Belichick and Jim Tressel — have hammered this home for years: special teams is the third phase of football. Just as critical as offense and defense. Games flip on hidden yardage, field position, and momentum swings that start with guys like Ashton Dulin.
At 4.43 speed, Dulin is one of the best gunners in football. He’s always the first one to the ball. Whether it’s blowing up a returner, forcing fair catches, or blocking punts on the opposite end, his effort sets the tone.
That speed translates outside of special teams too. When he did get chances at receiver, he made them count — averaging 33.5 yards per reception in 2024. Dulin adds depth across the wide receiver room, capable of lining up at all three spots and executing every route combo. He’s not just a body — he’s reliable versatility.
Credit: NFL
And with the Colts QB room being about as consistent as a McDonald’s ice cream machine, having a veteran presence like Dulin in that receiver group is huge. Leadership and stability matter, especially in a young, developing offense.
Bottom line: Ashton Dulin isn’t just a special teams ace or a depth wideout — he’s a culture piece. Every roster needs glue guys, and Dulin is exactly that. He’s been overlooked his whole career, but if you’re actually watching the game (and not just scrolling stat sheets), you know his impact is real.
The truth is, Ashton Dulin won’t be a household name — and that’s fine. What he will be is exactly what he’s always been: the kind of guy who does the dirty work, shows up every day, and makes his team better in ways most people don’t notice. Every franchise needs one. Indy just happens to have one of the best.
