2010 NFL Draft: All-Overrated and All-Underrated Team: Defense

The 2010 NFL Draft is just around the corner.  The Pro Days and Workouts are done and teams are making their final adjustments to their draft boards. Here is one draftnik's take on the All-Overrated and All-Underrated team (Defense) for the 2010 Draft:

Defensive Tackle:

Overrated: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma—Easily the most controversial selection on this list. Has the potential to be a dominant pass rushing defensive tackle but is not as stout against the run as you would expect for a top five pick. (caveat: It was hard to find an overrated defensive tackle in this year's tremendous class).

Underrated: Brian Price, UCLA—In reviewing mock drafts recently, Price has slid from a top 20 pick to a fringe first—mid second rounder but he was the most dominant defensive tackle in college football last season not named Ndamukong Suh. Tremendous burst off the ball led to 23.5 TFL last season despite a below average supporting cast. (Honorable Mention: NFL Draft 101 favorite Linval Joseph whose stock has risen beyond his former underrated status)

Defensive End:

Overrated: Everson Griffen, USC—Has the potential to be a dominant but his effort was extremely inconsistent. Zero sacks in his last five games.

Underrated: CJ Wilson, East Carolina—Has great size and is one of the best left ends in this year's class. Strong at the point of attack and an underrated pass rusher. Could also play the five technique.

Outside Linebacker:

Overrated: Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State—Rush linebacker prospect was one of the stars of the scouting combine but his production and instincts are rather ordinary. Will likely be overdrafted on his upside.

Underrated: Eric Norwood, South Carolina—Lacks ideal measure-ables but has great instincts and a nose for the football. Can play rush linebacker or the strongside. The type of guy you want on your football team.

Inside Linebacker:

Overrated: Darryl Sharpton, Miami—Undersized and lack of elite athleticism makes for a bad combination at inside linebacker. Flows well to the football but does not change directions well and is not fluid in coverage.

Underrated: Pat Angerer, Iowa—Very instinctive middle linebacker. A tackling machine who is a much better athlete than he is given credit for.

Cornerback:

Overrated: Patrick Robinson, Florida State—Has the physical tools but has not played up to his hype. Does not have great coverage awareness and thus allows too many big plays.

Underrated: Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt—Good combination of size and speed (6'+ and sub 4.5 40), comfortable in man or zone and has some playmaking ability.   

Safety:

Overrated: Taylor Mays, USC—First round athlete with mid-late round coverage skills. Has not been the playmaker his talent leads you to expect (5 INTs and 1 FF in 50 career starts) 

Underrated: Darrell Stuckey, Kansas—Had a down season in 2009 (like most of the Jayhawks) but has a non-stop motor, good coverage instincts and playmaking ability. Better athlete than he is given credit for and is a leader on and off the field.

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFL Draft 101. He can be reached at [e-mail]. Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101. Join NFL Draft 101 for live coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft including live chat.