2010 NFL Draft: Five Underrated Prospects To Start Noticing

It is getting that time of year when everyone starts to recognize the upper level of talent in the NFL Draft. Ndaukong Suh, Eric Berry, Gerald McCoy, and Sam Bradford have all become household names.

But, there are still many players out there waiting for their chance to shine.

These five players are guys who could really make an impact down the road in the NFL.

It is time to explore one of the deepest classes in NFL history!

Enjoy!

Rashawn Jackson: FB, Virginia

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 239 lbs.
40 Time: 4.73
Bench Reps: DNP
Projected Round: Fifth

Pros: Jackson has impressed many scouts with his raw athleticism. Despite being 245 pounds, he still has very fluid hips, good hands, and excellent running ability. The big fullback busts through opponents with excellent strength, and he is still considered the top blocking full back in the class. Jackson is also very good on special teams.

Cons: Jackson’s biggest weakness is his pass blocking. He does not have a good punch when facing blitzing linebackers, and he sometimes look overwhelmed in the pocket. Jackson should be able to fix this, but right now, it is a glaring weakness.

Our Take: Jackson looks to become a very solid NFL player. He should see immediate playing time on special teams, and he could be a first year starter depending on the team that drafts him. Look for Jackson to not only be a good blocker, but also, a very solid receiver and runner.

NFL Comparison: Leonard Weaver

Dennis Pitta: TE, BYU

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 245 lbs.
40 Time: 4.63
Bench Reps: 27
Projected Round: Second or Third

Pros: Dennis Pitta is a sensational athlete with an uncanny ability to make plays. Pitta has great size and wide receiver-like hands. This not only makes him a great touchdown threat, but also a great every down players. Pitta is athletic enough to play in the slot and big enough to play on the line. This kind of versatility will find him immediate playing time.

Cons: Scouts still question Pitta’s ability to block. Despite his great size, he sometimes gets beaten on pass blocking, and he does not get enough leverage in his run blocking. Pitta is also very old for an NFL rookie. He will be 25 in his first game, and some teams are wondering if he has already leveled off in ability.

Out Take: Pitta is shooting up many draft boards. He is thought of as a very dependable player, who can plugged into most offensive systems his rookie year. Pitta has pro-bowl potential, and with the right team and system, that is not unrealistic goal.

NFL Comparison: Jermichael Finley

Colin Peek: TE, Alabama

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 254 lbs.
40 Time: DNP
Bench Reps: 19
Projected Round: Fourth or Fifth

Pros: Peek is a good athlete, who has great size. He has soft hands and became a very clutch player at Alabama. Peek transferred to Alabama after Georgia Tech hired Paul Johnson as their coach. Peek wanted to become a more pro-esque style of tight end, which was not being taught at Georgia Tech. Peek is also an exceptional blocker.

Cons: Peek probably never be a huge receiving threat in the NFL. He is a much better blocker, and NFL teams will want to take advantage of this. Peek’s biggest problem is his ability to stay healthy. He has had nagging injuries for the past 12 months now, and teams are wondering how long he will last in the NFL.

Our Take: Colin Peek should become a very decent No. 2 tight end in the NFL. He has the ability to catch some passes, but his blocking game is much superior. A team like San Diego or Pittsburgh, who run many two tight end sets would love to have a player like Colin Peek.

NFL Comparison: Matt Spaeth

Jeff Owens: DT/NT, Georgia

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 304 lbs.
40 Time: 4.97
Bench Reps: 44
Projected Round: Fourth or Fifth

Pros: Owens is an amazingly strong man. Despite being much smaller than many nose tackles, Owens still takes on many blockers to help out his teammates. Owens plays with an unstoppable motor and is one of the most intense players in the draft. He is also a very coachable player and a great influence in the locker room.

Cons: Lacks ideal speed and quickness for a three-technique defensive tackle but lacks size and bulk to play nose tackle. Owens is a rare hybrid for interior defensive linemen, and finding a position on the field will be hard for him. He also does not have the closing the speed to track down quarterbacks when pass rushing.

Our Take: Owens’ hard work and dedication should earn him a starting job eventually in the NFL. He is a very strong and determined player, which usually leads to good things in the NFL. While, Jeff Owens will probably never be an NFL star, he still has a good chance to be a consistent NFL player for a long time.

NFL Comparison: Jay Ratliff

Rennie Curran: OLB, Georgia

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 235 lbs.
40 Time: 4.72
Bench Reps: 25
Projected Round: Fourth

Pros: Rennie Curran is simply a tackling machine. He led Georgia his past two seasons in tackles, and this year was a finalist for the Lombardi and Bednarik awards. Curran has great instincts to the ball and wraps up with perfect form every tackle. Curran is a very strong player, who also possesses extreme quickness. Curran can play both man and zone coverage schemes too.

Cons: Curran would most likely be a first or second round pick if it wasn’t for one glaring weakness: his height. Curran is barely 5’10” and many teams do not want players this short. The NFL has become more complicated than ever with blitzes, and Curran is not the best blitzer. He is also easily swallowed up sometimes by bigger, more skilled linemen.

Our Take: Despite Curran’s size; he still has a great chance to succeed in the NFL. Many players, such as Zach Thomas, have thrived in the league despite not measuring up to prototypical linebackers. His great instincts and fiery attitude should make up for his lack of size, and he should see playing time eventually in the pros.

NFL Comparison: Cato June