2017 NFL Draft: The Most Overlooked Player at Every Position

Given the amount of coverage the NFL draft generates each year, it's hard to imagine any player going overlooked.

Millions of words have been written about Texas A&M edge-rusher Myles Garrett, LSU running back Leonard Fournette and Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Millions more will be written between now and when the draft begins on April 27.

Every year, however, some players slip between the cracks. These guys have the potential to be contributors or real difference-makers in the NFL, but they don't get the run of their more loudly lauded counterparts.

Call them the NFL draft's quiet stars of tomorrow—or something equally catchy.

This year is no exception. Here's a look at the most overlooked player at each position in the 2017 NFL draft class.

Quarterback: Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh

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In some respects, it's hard to dub any quarterback prospect as overlooked. If you can throw a football and are breathing, NFL teams desperate for help at the position will take notice.

Still, relative to some of the other signal-callers in the 2017 draft, there hasn't been a ton of buzz surrounding Pitt's Nathan Peterman. The 6'2", 226-pounder passed for over 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2016 and handed eventual national champion Clemson its only loss of the season.

Peterman isn't the most physically imposing passer in this year's class, nor is he the most athletically gifted. But he's one of the more accurate quarterbacks coming out in 2017, and he has extensive playing experience in a pro-style offense from his time with the Panthers.

As Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported, ESPN NFL analyst Jon Gruden is sold after watching game tape of Peterman.

"You're about as NFL-ready as any quarterback we've had come through here," Gruden told the Pitt signal-caller. "Your ability in the pocket, I hate to say it, but it's professional. Somebody is making a mistake not drafting you. You're good enough to be in the league today."

Peterman doesn't have the highest ceiling of this year's quarterbacks, and he isn't going to be a Day 1 pick. But given the flaws of some passers who may be taken in Round 1, don't be surprised if Peterman outperforms them in the pros. 

Honorable Mention: Alek Torgersen, Penn

Running Back: Kareem Hunt, Toledo

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Given how loaded this running back class is, it's not surprising some mid-round options haven't been mentioned as much as high-end players like LSU's Leonard Fournette and Florida State's Dalvin Cook.

Playing at the traditional powerhouse that is Toledo likely didn't do Kareem Hunt's profile any favors.

However, just because the 5'10", 216-pounder isn't a household name doesn't mean he can't play. Over the last three seasons Hunt piled up over 4,000 yards on the ground without losing a single fumble.

According to Tim Twentyman of the Lions' website, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com thinks teams searching for a mid-round value in the backfield need look no farther than northwestern Ohio.

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He's almost 220 pounds. Not the most explosive guy, but you talk about someone who runs behind his pads, between the tackles and can grind out tough yards. He's a little more elusive than he gets credit for. He had a nice week down at the Senior Bowl. I think he'd be a great value pick. We're probably talking about him in that third-round range.

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After Hunt spent years bursting through holes and grinding out first downs for the Rockets, Jeremiah may be on to something. 

Honorable Mention: Brian Hill, Wyoming

Wide Receiver: Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma

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Oklahoma wide receiver Dede Westbrook has more red flags than a Beijing souvenir shop. He weighs less than 180 pounds, will turn 24 during his first NFL season and was twice arrested before heading to Oklahoma.

As if that isn't bad enough, Westbrook skipped the Senior Bowl and workouts at the scouting combine, and he had interviews in Indy so disastrous (per Tony Pauline of Draft Insider) that some NFL teams removed him from their draft boards altogether.

However, for all of those perceived faults, Westbrook is also the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner as college football's top receiver. In 2016, he piled up 80 catches for 1,524 yards, averaging more than 19 yards a pop. One-quarter of Westbrook's catches last year went for 25 yards or more, and he scored on a 71-yard punt return against Kansas in late October.

In other words, Westbrook is the textbook definition of a quick-twitch athlete. Whether he's running in a straight line or making cuts in routes and returns, blink and he's gone.

All of the questions surrounding Westbrook have set the stage for a draft-day slide. But just as he plays bigger than his size, he'll likely outplay his draft slot for whichever team rolls the dice on him. 

Honorable Mention: Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois

Tight End/Fullback: Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech

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There are two types of teams in the NFL: those who have a big, athletic, field-stretching tight end and those who want a big, athletic, field-stretching tight end.

For teams in that latter group, most of the talk heading up to this year's draft has centered on the likes of Miami's David Njoku and Alabama's O.J. Howard. However, as Lance Zierlein of NFL.com noted, teams that miss out on that pair could find a nice consolation prize in Bucky Hodges of Virginia Tech.

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He can line up inside or outside while his size and ability to work all three levels of the field should be appealing to teams looking for pass-catching options. The competitive nature of the NFL could bring out more consistent toughness in him as a blocker. He has the tools to be a long-time starter and touchdown-maker in the league.

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A converted quarterback who has only been playing the position for three years, the 6'6" 257-pound Hodges still has plenty to learn at the position. His physicality both in blocking and beating press coverage can use some work, too. But Hodges finished at or near the top of his position group in a number of drills at the combine, including a 4.57-second 40-yard dash time.

Blocking technique and route running can be coached. Speed can't.

Honorable Mention: Eric Saubert, Drake

Offensive Tackle: Roderick Johnson, Florida State

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This isn't the best year for tackle prospects in the NFL draft. Florida State's Roderick Johnson admitted to Bryan Strickland of the Carolina Panthers' website that the relative weakness of this year's class played a part in his decision to leave Tallahassee early.

"It had a little factor," Johnson said. "But it really came down to what I believe. I'm pursuing my dream. I thought I paid my dues at Florida State. It was time for a step up in my life."

One AFC scouting director told Lance Zierlein of NFL.com that Johnson's decision to come out early may have been a mistake, but he did admit the 6'7", 298-pounder oozes potential.

"He should have gone back, but I think he's interesting because I still think he is growing into his body," the scouting director said. "He will probably always have some balance issues because he's always going to be a leaner. If he can improve his body control with that length ... that could be really interesting."

In a draft class where just about every offensive tackle prospect has at least one significant flaw, that potential makes Johnson an intriguing upside pick on Day 2.

Honorable Mention: Antonio Garcia, Troy

Offensive Guard: Jordan Morgan, Kutztown

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As small-school standout Jorgan Morgan told Dustin Hockensmith of PennLive.com, he saw himself staring down the barrel of the biggest job interview of his life at the draft combine.

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They were just getting to know me and what I knew about football. The strangest thing I had asked of me at the combine was how long I could have my eyes open in a staring contest. I thought it was weird, but it's one of those things you don't question on the spot.

I didn't blink at all. He told me I could stare at anything. I just focused on a water bottle. I don't know how long it was, but it was pretty long. My eyes were fogging up. I couldn't see after. He was just like, 'I got what I need. You can stop now.'

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It can be hard to accurately judge Morgan given the ease with which he pushed around inferior opponents. The four-year starter needs to kick inside to guard in the NFL given his relative lack of length, but his mean streak will aid him greatly at opening holes on the inside.

It may take a while, and there's no guarantee Morgan will become an NFL starter. However, it's rare to find a Day 3 pick with a real possibility of becoming a fixture on the offensive line.

Morgan could be just that.

Honorable Mention: Jessamen Dunker, Tennessee State

Center: Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia

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West Virginia center Tyler Orlosky is no lock to be a Pro Bowl lineman. The 6'3", 298-pounder is neither especially powerful nor quick.

Still, as one AFC North scout told Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, what Orlosky lacks in athleticism he makes up for with sheer aggression.

"I get excited when I can use words like 'nasty' and 'warrior' in my lineman reports, and both those words sum up No. 65," the scout said. "He might not be the best athlete or technician, but he has the awareness, aggressiveness and inner confidence required to get the job done."

For his part, Orlosky told Brugler that he thinks he can compensate for that perceived lack of quickness with improved and refined technique.

"Being a center, especially in pass pro, you don't kick as much," Orlosky said. "So my athletic ability, getting back is something I can improve in order to take on more athletic rushers. It's something I feel I can do, but also something I can work on."

Orlosky may never be an elite lineman, but he could become a capable weekly starter—one that perhaps will be available on the final day of the 2017 draft.

Honorable Mention: Michael Coe, North Dakota 

Defensive End: Derek Rivers, Youngstown State

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After Youngstown State defensive end Derek Rivers finished the 2016 season second in the FCS with 14 sacks, Bleacher Report's Charles McDonald told Robert Mays on The Ringer NFL Show that he thinks Rivers might be a first-round talent.

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That dude is just, he's a freak. ... He tested in at least the 80th percentile for almost all of the critical tests, you know, 40-yard dash, broad jump, three-cone. When you watch him at Youngstown State, obviously the level of competition is a little bit down, but you can see, OK, this guys athletically, has the potential to be an elite NFL pass rusher just from an athletic standpoint. You look at how he plays the run, his technique is really good, his hand placement is really good, he's a really refined player.

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The numbers speak for themselves. A 4.61-second 40 time shows Rivers' quickness. An impressive 30 reps on the bench press demonstrates his strength at the point of attack.

This is a deep class of edge-rushers, but the 6'4", 248-pound Rivers can do it all. He's as adept at stuffing the run as he is rushing the passer, and his technique and hand placement aren't those of someone who played at a lesser level of competition.

Given the small stage he played on, his tweener size and the relative depth at his position this year, Rivers will all but certainly be a Day 2 or 3 pick. But make no mistake—some players taken ahead of Rivers won't be as good at making NFL quarterbacks cry.

Honorable Mention: Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova

Defensive Tackle: Jaleel Johnson, Iowa

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At the University of Iowa, Jaleel Johnson was a two-gap tackle. As such, his responsibilities were more about reacting to a play and stuffing the right hole than charging upfield to collapse the pocket a la Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams or Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals.

That's why Johnson focused on showing NFL scouts he's just as capable of getting after the quarterback during the Senior Bowl, as he told reporters at the combine.

"The thing I wanted to prove the most was my ability to pass-rush," Johnson said. "I know there have been talks on whether or not I can pass-rush as opposed to stopping the run. At the Senior Bowl, I made it my job to go out and really prove I can pass-rush. I think I did that."

This isn't to say Johnson's production in 2016 was lacking. The 6'3", 316-pounder not only racked up 7.5 sacks for the Hawkeyes, but he led the team in both that category and tackles for loss.

That's what makes Johnson such an interesting prospect. He has the size and strength to play the one-technique spot and the speed and quickness to slide over to the three-tech.

Johnson has his supporters. Rich Fann of Bills Wire called him "the most entertaining lineman to watch out of this year's draft." But Rob Rang and Dane Brugler at CBS Sports have Johnson penciled in as a third-round pick—a late one at that.

If that proves to be the case, more than a few teams will have missed the boat on Johnson.

Honorable Mention: Tanzel Smart, Tulane 

Outside Linebacker: Duke Riley, LSU

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Patience was a virtue for LSU linebacker Duke Riley, who played sparingly over his first three years in Baton Rouge. At this time last year, there's zero chance 6'0", 232-pounder would have been drafted.

But after pacing the Tigers with 93 tackles as a senior, Riley might sneak his way into Day 2. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes Riley is following a similar trajectory as former LSU stars Deion Jones and Kwon Alexander.

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Looking ahead to draft day, I believe Riley grades as a bottom-of-the-second-round player (eventual starter with the potential to crack the lineup by Year 2), but I could see him going at any point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) to a team looking for a potential starter with special teams ability. Considering how Alexander and Jones were also viewed in that light before emerging as difference-makers on their respective teams, scouts would be wise to keep tabs on Riley during the process.

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Riley could slide even farther, dipping into the early portion of Day 3. As well as he played in 2016, it was still his only season as a starter, and his small stature may limit his number of potential suitors.

His lack of positional flexibility could be a blessing in disguise for teams with a hole at those spots, though. Alexander has already become an above-average starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones is well on his way to becoming one as well for the Atlanta Falcons.

Riley has the instincts and athleticism to follow suit.

Honorable Mention: Vince Biegel, Wisconsin

Inside Linebacker: Connor Harris, Lindenwood

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In case you don't know where Lindenwood is, just follow the sound of Connor Harris tackling people.

"He's a good player," one NFC scouting director told Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. "He's a Division I player who happens to play Division II. I don't think he ever gets tired because he is always in on plays or right there next to them."

To say that the 5'11", 242-pound Harris made a lot of stops over his time at Lindenwood is an understatement. Over those four years, he was credited with an NCAA-record 633 tackles.

Given the level of competition he faced, there are questions about whether Harris will come close to that level of success in the pros. Offensive linemen are a bit bigger in the NFL than in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

However, as he told Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star, Harris thinks he showed he can play with the best of them at the Senior Bowl.

"Coming out here, I was kind of in (awe), kind of in shock that I was here getting this opportunity," Harris said. "But once that whistle blew, once the horn went off and we started to do walkthroughs, I get zoned in and focus. Just another day of football."

If that's the case, Harris is going to be one of Day 3's biggest defensive steals.

Honorable Mention: Blair Brown, Ohio

Cornerback: Jalen Myrick, Minnesota

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Minnesota's Jalen Myrick won't be listed among the top cornerback prospects in this year's draft class. But the 5'10", 200-pounder did something at the combine that Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore did not. Neither did Buckeyes teammate Gareon Conley.

Myrick did something no one from the Big 10 has ever done. At 4.28 seconds, Myrick peeled off the fastest 40 time of any Big 10 player in the history of the combine.

Considering his lack of size, most NFL teams likely view Myrick as a slot cornerback. But he allowed just 45.1 percent of the passes thrown in his direction to be completed in 2016, per Pro Football Focus.

As PFF wrote, Myrick is the victim of this year's historic crop of talent in the secondary:

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In another cornerback class, Myrick's raw speed would perhaps see him drafted highly for that reason alone. However, with this being arguably the best cornerback class of the past decade, he isn't receiving quite the same hype. His size will mean that some teams see him as purely a slot cornerback, but with the speed he showed off in Indianapolis at the combine, along with some impressive coverage performances on film, someone is going to draft him and if he can continue to improve as he did in college, whoever does might just have a steal on their hands.

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Myrick may be somewhat of a gamble, but the team that takes a chance on him could be rewarded with one of the draft's best values in the secondary. Because as the old saying goes, you can't teach speed.

Honorable Mention: Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado

Safety: Justin Evans, Texas A&M

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In today's NFL, versatility is the keyword at the safety position. Every team in the league is looking for a player who can hit like a linebacker but cover like a cornerback to slot at the back end of their defense.

Justin Evans of Texas A&M could be just that sort of safety.

A 6'0", 199-pounder who carries "a walloping stick," per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Evans has demonstrated the ability both to make the big hit in run support and to make similarly big plays in coverage. However, as one AFC executive told Zierlein, he had a tendency in college to worry too much about making a big play.

"His interception against UCLA at the beginning of the year was one of those plays that not many safeties can make," the executive said. "But I'm worried about his missed tackles. Hard hits are great for SportsCenter or YouTube but getting guys to the ground is top priority."

However, overaggressiveness is the kind of deficiency that can be lessened with coaching and experience. Temper that, and Evans has the physicality to play strong safety and the ball skills to play center field and perhaps even man the slot.

That's why it's hard to fathom Evans may still be available when the draft's third day kicks off on April 29.

Honorable Mention: Rayshawn Jenkins, Miami