2011 NFL Draft Sleepers: All-Underrated Team

The NFL Draft is all about maximizing value with each and every draft choice. Draft picks are so valuable because the best teams in the league build through the draft. A team is built not only on the foundation of first round picks, but the players scouts fall in love with in the later rounds. Here is a team full of mid-to-late round gems that have stood out to me on tape.

Quarterback: Andy Dalton, TCU

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs throws a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Andy Dalton could be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Thought by many to be nothing more than a game manager, Dalton has displayed top-notch intangibles and all of the physical tools necessary to be successful in the NFL. He stands tough in the pocket, displays elite leadership and is capable of making all of the NFL throws.

The TCU standout will not “wow” anyone with his frame or his arm, but both are adequate for NFL success. In the new age of the NFL, a smart, accurate, poised quarterback can make up for his less-than-elite physical tools.

Andy Dalton should hear his name called somewhere between rounds two and three.

Running Back: Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Dion Lewis #28 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs with the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh won 28-10. (Photo by A

Pittsburgh had a disastrous season based on expectations, due to the play of its quarterback Tino Sunseri. Despite that, Dion Lewis was still able to compile 1,000 yards rushing. He is as quick as any back in the country and has a lot of Ray Rice in him.

Wide Receiver: Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Jeff Fuller #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies catches a one yard touchdown pass against the defense of Jalil Brown #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes for the first score of the game in the first quarter during NCAA college football action

Junior Jeff Fuller is still undecided on whether or not he will declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. If he declares he offers tremendous value as a day two or three selection. Fuller has a lethal combination of size and body control. In addition, he has phenomenal hands.

Fuller reminds me of Hakeem Nicks as he is an ideal red zone target.

Wide Receiver: Cecil Shorts III

Cecil Shorts III is a prime example of why teams should hold off on drafting wide receivers until the later rounds. This kid has amazing speed and soft hands along with outstanding playmaking skills. He is so talented after the catch that he could potentially play running back at the next level.

You find football players where you find football players, and this kid can play. Watch the clip, it speaks for itself.

Tight End: Jeffery Anderson, UAB

A big, strong, athletic tight end prospect with a lot of upside, Anderson has flown under the radar a bit at UAB. If he finds the right team, he could have a solid career.

Tackle: Darius Morris, Temple

Darius Morris has the ability to play any position on the offensive line which will make him a hot commodity on draft day.

Currently projected to go in either round two or three, Morris could make a late surge up draft boards. He is a strong, competitive and athletic lineman who should excel at the next level.

Tackle: Kyle Hix, Texas

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Tackle Kyle Hix #64 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Kyle Hix has only played right tackle in his career, which makes him less valuable on draft day. However, I expect him to blossom at the next level due to his consistency and work ethic.

Guard: John Moffit, Wisconsin

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Wisconsin Badgers huddle together during their game against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Moffit is in the second tier of guard prospects but he has the skill set that will allow him to have a long career in the NFL. He is tough, physical and extremely strong. What else would you expect from a Badger?

Guard: Will Rackley, Lehigh

Much like John Moffit, Will Rackley is everything you look for in a guard prospect. He is tough, strong and instinctive. He is not afraid to be a mauler on the offensive line, and will make some team very happy in the middle rounds.

Center: Ryan Bartholomew, Syracuse

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STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Greg Paulus #2 of the Syracuse Orangemen shouts to his linemen Ryan Bartholomew #70, Nick Speller #74, and running back Delone Carter #3 during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver St

After the top two center prospects, it is a toss up. I like Ryan Bartholomew of Syracuse. He is well-rounded physically and possesses top-of-the-line intelligence.

Defensive End: Pernell McPhee, Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Pernell McPhee #90 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs sacks quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmi

Pernell McPhee has seen his stock drop after a disappointing 2010 season production wise. However, he has the size, speed and versatility to have a solid career at the next level.

Defensive End: Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Defensive end Jeremy Beal #44 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates with the Big 12 Championship Trophy after the Sooners beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 23-20 at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by

Jeremy Beal does everything well but nothing great. There is always a spot for players like him in the NFL.

Defensive Tackle: Lawrence Guy, Arizona State

Lawrence Guy makes this list on his physical tools alone. He is still a bit raw as a prospect, but the right coaching staff could turn this kid into a star.

Defensive Tackle: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

Wilkerson is in the mold of former Temple Owl and current Jacksonville Jaguar Terrance Knighton. He has a massive frame and the ability to shed blocks and stuff the run. If he declares he will be a steal on day three of the draft.

Outside Linebacker: Adrian Robinson, Temple

When you turn on a Temple game, you get treated to quite a few NFL-ready prospects. One of the most noticeable prospects is Adrian Robinson. He projects as a rush linebacker at the next level, but he has all of the physical tools and the production to match. This kid seems to always be around the football.

Outside Linebacker: Greg Jones, Michigan State

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Greg Jones #53 of the Michigan State Spartans awaits the start of play against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

Greg Jones is a solid prospect that gives front offices no reason to select him in the first round. Despite that, he still has a chance to be a solid pro.

We see linebackers slide into the second round every year because they are not difference makers. Greg Jones will be a tackling machine in the NFL if he can add some bulk to his frame.

Middle Linebacker: Kelvin Sheppard, LSU

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Kelvin Sheppard #11 of the LSU Tigers against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kelvin Sheppard just has a nose for the football and a high understanding of how the game is played.

Cornerback: Kendric Burney, North Carolina

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Kendric Burney #16 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter against the Boston College Eagles on November 21, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Ge

I am higher on Kendric Burney than most people. I love his instincts and ball skills. We'll see how he checks out at the combine, but he has the mentality to play cornerback.

Cornerback: Jimmy Smith, Colorado

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Cody Green #17 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers slips past Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-17 (Photo by Eric Fran

A deep cornerback class could push Jimmy Smith into the second round. The team that snags him won't complain.

Safety: Sean Richardon, Vanderbilt

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball while defended by Sean Richardson #21 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won

Sean Richardson was a great leader for Vandy's defense and can really lay the lumber with his tackling.

Safety: Robert Sands, West Virginia

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 19: Darvin Adams #89 of the Auburn Tigers scores a touchdown as he gets tackled by Robert Sands #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Ima

Robert Sands was the leader on a very solid Mountaineer defense in 2010. Ask any West Virginia fan who they will miss more, Robert Sands or Noel Devine, and they will most certainly choose the former.