Even more unknown than some of the NFL's top talent are the NFL executives working behind the scenes to uncover it, continually finding replacements when injuries strike and quietly working to build championship-caliber rosters. Following are five evaluators who operate below the radar and have played key roles in building championships (in alphabetical order): 

Nick Caserio
Patriots director of player personnel

No one in the NFL has crossed lines between the coaching staff and the personnel department as often or as well as the Pats' new personnel boss. Outside observers might think Caserio could not decide on a career path. Patriots insiders fully recognize that Caserio has been Bill Belichick's jack-of-all-trades, accepting any role that will help the team, and has been cross-trained as a coach and as an evaluator. The former John Carroll wide receiver, who was a college teammate of Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, has earned a reputation as a very thorough, tireless worker with an excellent understanding of the Patriots' schemes and an equally strong grasp of personnel. Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli both have been plucked from Bill Belichick's front-office cabinet to head football operations for the Falcons and Chiefs, respectively. It might not take long for the 33-year-old Caserio, who is working alongside senior advisor Floyd Reese, to draw attention from NFL ownership. 

Bobby DePaul
Bears senior director of pro personnel

Behind every great coach, there is often a strong corps of evaluators uncovering talent. Since DePaul shifted from coaching, where he spent eight years on the staffs in Washington and Cincinnati, the tech-savvy and cap-conscious personnel executive helped lay the foundation for Andy Reid in Philadelphia before accepting the major task of rebuilding a downtrodden Bears organization that had not gone to the playoffs for seven years before his arrival. Since joining the front office in 2001, the Bears have won three division titles, an NFC championship and had two first-time head coaches (Dick Jauron and Lovie Smith) earn NFL Coach of the Year honors — something a very young Andy Reid also earned during DePaul's time in Philly. The 20-year NFL veteran earned his stripes as a do-it-all grunt in football operations under Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs, who recently endorsed DePaul publicly as a future general manager.

Dave Gettleman
Giants director of pro personnel

Anyone who glances at the Giants' roster can see the success New York has had landing top pro acquisitions, including Pro Bowl MLB Antonio Pierce and C Shaun O'Hara, both of whom played pivotal roles in the Giants' Super Bowl XLII championship. Year in and year out, New York reloads its roster with veteran talent as well as any team in the league. A 23-year NFL veteran who is regarded as a straight shooter in NFL scouting circles, Gettleman has seen the game from every angle, as a high school coach, as a college scout and as a pro personnel evaluator. The former Springfield College offensive tackle is known for bringing his lunchpail to work and grinding. Considering that he interviewed for GM jobs in Cleveland and Kansas City this past offseason, the Giants might not be able to hold on to his services much longer.

Jimmy Raye
Chargers director of player personnel

Perhaps no team has drafted talent and uncovered diamonds in the rough better than Chargers GM A.J. Smith and his staff, with selections such as Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie. More impressive have been the additions of Pro Bowlers Kris Dielman, Antonio Gates and Kassim Osgood, all of whom were uncovered as undrafted free agents, not to mention Wes Welker, who initially was signed by the Chargers. The son of longtime NFL coach Jimmy Raye II, Raye has been around football all of his life, serving as a ball boy in his youth, and has a tremendous pool of player knowledge upon which to draw, which has left an impression on NFL brass. Very active traveling the entire country to evaluate top college talent, Raye has expertise that extends beyond the college ranks, as he oversees the pro and college departments. The former San Diego State wide receiver caught the attention of Chiefs ownership a year ago and could have a chance to run a team soon.

Lionel Vital
Falcons assistant player personnel director

Few in the NFL have identified talent for Bill Parcells, Dick Haley, Bill Belichick and Ozzie Newsome. The former NFL running back shares that distinction, having been hired by Belichick in Cleveland in 1991 and maintaining roles as a chief evaluator with the Jets under Parcells and Haley, with the Patriots again under Belichick and with the Ravens under Newsome. Nearly everywhere Vital has gone, including the latest position he took under Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, he has been a part of organizations that faced major rebuilding projects. However, the other common thread is that they all have had great success. He is well-respected in scouting circles for his evaluation instincts, even if he is as unrecognized as any on this list because of his low-key, no-ego approach.

Related link: Assistant coaches who have excelled teaching and developing talent