2010 NFL Draft: 8 Undervalued Prospects

In conjunction with my article where I had the eight most overvalued players, I decided to also make a list of the eight most undervalued players in the upcoming draft.

When a player is undervalued, it usually means that he's really solid, but doesn't have one outstanding technique. His position may not be in high demand come draft day. He may be a dominant college player who just hasn't been getting a ton of media attention.

Either way, these guys are going to fall farther than they should. Let's take a look.

8. Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU

Pitta had a really good career at BYU. He was there for a while because of a Mormon mission, so he's an older prospect, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Pitta had a tremendous week at the Senior Bowl and ran very well at the Combine. He is an underrated athlete with a great feel for the game.

He's not a great blocker and isn't an elite athlete, but he's a smooth ball catcher who has really good size and can get bigger.

He'll probably go in the third round, but he has the opportunity to go to a team and be a starter immediately.

7. Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

Kindle possesses very good size at 6'3", 250, and ran well at the Combine. He tweaked his knee at his pro day this week, but he should be fine when the season starts.

Kindle has some durability and character concerns moving forward, but he is a high-motor, versatile athlete. His best spot will be as Sam LB in a 4-3, similar to what teammate Brian Orakpo did for the Redskins in 2009.

He's very good against the run, but he is a great blitzer—don't confuse that with pass-rusher. He could fall in the draft a bit, but he's a really good pick for whoever wants him.

6. Maurkice Pouncey, OC, Florida

Pouncey is a great center prospect and one of the better ones to come around in the last few years. He won the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center. He isn't a phenomenal athlete, but he is a great football player.

He plays with good technique for such a young kid. However, the center position isn't going to be in high demand when the draft rolls around. He's a top 20 athlete, but it would be highly surprising to see him go there.

On the flip side, it seems that he could fall into the bottom part of the first round. He would be a true steal in the second round.

5. Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

Matthews ran for over 1800 yards and 19 TDs in 2009 and declared for the NFL draft.

He is the best pure running back in this class and could help many teams. However, since this is becoming a pass-first league, running backs aren't going to be in high demand.

A knock on Matthews is that he doesn't have experience in the passing game, which may hurt him. However, there's no doubt that he can learn.

Matthews is the best pure running back. Anything after the 20th pick would be a great value.

4. Brian Price, DT, UCLA

In one of the deepest defensive tackle classes, Price seems to get lost in the shuffle. He isn't as well-rounded as Suh or McCoy, but Price is a great player in his own right.

He can get up the field on third downs, and, even though he's short, he can use his leverage to get underneath guards. He's also underrated against the run and one of my favorite players in this draft.

3. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

Spiller is a versatile talent who was one of the most prolific players in college football. Spiller excelled as a running back and return specialist.

Spiller compares highly to Reggie Bush, who the Saints chose second overall. He's not an inside runner who can handle 25 carries a game, but 10-15 and catch a few balls out of the backfield.

He'll fall because he won't be a No. 1 tailback, but he is a great athlete and can help many teams.

2. Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama

Cody's physique leaves a lot to be desired. Needless to say, he won't be winning any awards with his shirt off.

However, this kid is a phenomenal football player. He is the best player in this draft at stopping the run. He can eat up multiple blockers, freeing up linebackers to make plays.

He's not going to show up on the stat sheet, and that is why he's going to fall some, but he will be a steal for whoever takes him.

1. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Berry is one of the best players in the draft, so why is he here?

Berry's position at free safety isn't the highest demanded position in the league. When you think of the highest-paid players, safeties don't come to mind.

Berry will slip because of the economics, but he will be a valuable pick wherever he goes. He's a ballhawk who is great against the run and pass. Showing up at the Combine well over 200 is a good sign.