2010 NFL Draft: 10 Underrated Big Ten Prospects

Everyone knows the "big" players from the Big Ten this year: Brandon Graham, Sean Lee, Arrelious Benn, and Navorro Bowman, to name a few.

But what about some of their supporting players in college?

There are many players that come out of the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds that sometimes make just as much of an impact on NFL teams.

Here are 10 players from the Big Ten that may be able to find their way onto an NFL field in the future. They are not necessarily "star-bound," but with the right opportunity, each player could contribute positively.

Enjoy!

Tony Moeaki: TE, Iowa

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 245 lbs.
40 Time: 4.69
Bench Reps: 18
Projected Round: Fourth

Moeaki has a great combination of size and speed. He is often a mismatch on offense and can become a real game-changer.

Moeaki must improve on his blocking. He often found himself getting beat or on the sidelines during running plays. He also must improve on becoming a more consistent option.

Moeaki would sometimes disappear from games and not have any catches.

Mickey Shuler Jr: TE, Penn State

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 251 lbs.
40 Time: 4.63
Bench Reps: 28
Projected Round: Seventh

Shuler had an extremely impressive pro day, putting up top three numbers in nearly every category.

Shuler was a very reliable player at Penn State. He was a consistent No. 2 option at tight end behind Andrew Quarless, and he was considered a better blocker.

Shuler could become a very good special teams player, and after his standout pro day, he may get a chance as a starter.

Michael Hoomanawanui: TE, Illinois

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 264 lbs.
40 Time: 4.77
Bench Reps: 25
Projected Round: Sixth or Seventh

Hoomanawanui is a terrific blocker. His big frame—6’3” 270 lbs.—enables him to become a moving lineman during running plays. He also has great hands that were often unseen because of Illinois’ offensive scheme.

Hoomanawanui had many injuries in college, and these could be recurring at the next level. Still, he provides a very balanced tight end and would be perfect in goal-line situations.

Blair White: WR, Michigan State

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 209 lbs.
40 Time: 4.49
Bench Reps: 18
Projected Round: Fourth or Fifth

The former walk-on at Michigan State has some of the best hands and can run very crisp routes. White was extremely impressive at the East-West Shrine game, and he appeared to be the most consistent receiver on the field.

He has good size and decent speed, but some teams may prefer superior athletes. White should find his way onto the field in the NFL.

Brandon Minor: RB, Michigan

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 214 lbs.
40 Time: DNP
Bench Reps: DNP
Projected Round: FA

Minor has good size and played in a professional-style offense for the majority of his career. He is a tough runner who is not afraid to take the ball between the tackles.

Minor was plagued by injuries for most of his career. He could become a short yardage back or a special teams player in the NFL.

Josh Hull: LB, Penn State

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 237 lbs.
40 Time: 4.93
Bench Reps: 25
Projected Round: Seventh or FA

The former walk-on at Penn State looks to make a name for himself at the next level through hard work, intelligence, and dedication to football.

Hull is tremendous tackler and uses his great instincts to always be in the right place. Despite not being the best athlete, Hull always puts forth maximum effort and is always one of the most prepared players on the field.

Simoni Lawrence: LB, Minnesota

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 232 lbs.
40 Time: 4.59
Bench Reps: 21
Projected Round: Fifth or Sixth

A big board riser, Lawrence has been noticed by many teams for his quickness, strength, and athleticism.

He played his first two years in junior college before transferring to Minnesota. Here Lawrence was a threat as a pass rusher, run stopper, and in pass coverage.

Look for him to stay at outside linebacker in the NFL and be a potential sleeper on the third day.

Jammie Kirlew: DE, Indiana

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 260 lbs.
40 Time: 5.05
Bench Reps: 29
Projected Round: Seventh or FA

Kirlew is known as one of the hardest-working players in college football. He is a freak in the weight room, and despite his lack of speed, he still manages to sack the quarterback.

However, many teams will question his speed. He recently ran his 40 in 5.03 seconds, which will not help his stock.

Still, Kirlew was a constant producer in the Big Ten, and he should find his way onto an NFL field eventually.

Greg Middleton: DE, Indiana

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 268 lbs.
40 Time: 4.96
Bench Reps: DNP
Projected Round: FA

Middleton was in top form his sophomore season, leading the nation in sacks with 16. He has since fallen under the radar because of mediocre production.

Middleton is a very strong player and has an excellent bull rush. However, he does not have the elite NFL speed needed to dominate.

If he stays focused, he may be able to land an NFL job down the road.

David Pender: CB, Pudue

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
40 Time: 4.37
Bench Reps: 12
Projected Round: Sixth

Pender is a very high-character player. He is quietly confident and lets his actions speak for themselves.

He is an incredible athlete who can run and jump with the best of them.

Pender must improve on his footwork, technique, and instincts in order to make an impact in the pros. He is a very tough player, and he is willing to contribute in run support.