With the Senior Bowl over and the Combine nearing, plenty of players' stock is on the rise. Based off current projections, here are ten guys that are still severely underrated and are names you should start to familiarize yourself with now so you can impress your friends as a Mel Kiper clone on draft day.
De' Anthony Thomas Running Back, Oregon
No one on this list has a bigger draft radius than Thomas, landing everywhere from "top-50" lists to falling all the way into the sixth round in various mock drafts. Thomas gets knocked out the gate for his puny frame at just 5'9" 175 pounds, and has also been flagged for his work ethic, and off the field behavior.
However, in a league where big plays are cherished, Thomas belongs in the discussion with Johnny Manziel and Sammy Watkins as one of the biggest home run hitters in this draft. Before last seasons down year, Thomas averaged nearly 10.0 yards per touch in Chip Kelly's high octane offense. On top of being a dangerous threat in both the run and pass game, Thomas has shown big play ability on special teams, where he is likely to contribute right away at the next level.
Weston Richburg Center, Colorado State
Richburg put together an impressive career at Colorado State where he started 49 straight games over a four year span. More impressive than the quantity of starts was the quality he played them at. Last season Richburg led his team with 42 knockdown blocks while grading above 90% in every game.
He brought his game to the Senior Bowl where he evaporated the small school label as he quieted big names such as Ra' Shede Hageman, and even the unblockable Aaron Donald. While Arkansas' Travis Swanson still ranks above him on many big boards, Richburg should be entrenched at a close second, not far behind.
Martavis Bryant Wide Receiver, Clemson
While all the attention has posted camp on the Sammy Watkins pole, sitting in his shadow by his lonesome far far away, is teammate Martavis Bryant. Bryant is the kind of receiver you draft first in "Madden", with his 6'5" 200 pound frame and sub 4.4 40 time. Clemson's best kept secret, Bryant averaged nearly 20.0 yards per catch, and was used to stretch the field vertically to open up underneath routes for Watkins.
While Watkins will be drafted in the top-10 picks, Bryant will hear at least another 100 names called after that, even though he is one of the most physically gifted receivers of this class.
Charles Sims Running Back, West Virginia
The notion of selecting a running back in the late rounds has become a trendy option for many NFL executives. However, this could be the year that some teams get burned by that theory, as there are talented running backs in this class that should be an exception to the rules.
Charles Sims is being left in the dust to more household names like Tre Mason and Kadeem Carey, but Sims could have the last laugh. He busted onto the scene in Mobile, Alabama and looked like he belonged with the big boys after a strong week of practices.
During the Senior Bowl, this former wide receiver ran his route tree out of the backfield better than some wide outs did, showing off an impressive combination of cuts, lateral explosion, and strong hands. With so many bigger names, Sims will likely fall further than he should. However in the Matt Forte mold, Sims will make one pass happy team look very smart.
Marquis Lee Wide Receiver, USC
How can a player being projected in the first-round be considered underrated? Before this year, Lee was a lock to become a top-5 selection, then a season riddled with knee and shoulder problems along with inconsistent quarterback play dropped his stock dramatically.
Don't let 2013 fool you, this former Biletnikoff award winner is a fantastic route runner with award-winning work ethic. Although he was plagued with drops last season and will likely run in the 4.5s come combine time, Lee is a sure handed pass catcher that can separate from his defender and take a quick slant 80-yards to the house.
Although the mock draft world has him pegged near the end of day one, scouts aren't fooled by his down year and either am I. I wouldn't be surprised to hear his named called as early as tenth overall to the Detroit Lions.
Brandon Scherff Offensive Tackle, Iowa
A name you might recognize but know little about, Scherff has been flying under the radar for far too long. At 6'5" 315 pounds his size is prototypical of an NFL lineman, but turn the tape on and watch a guy who plays like he's 6'8 and built like a tank.
Excellent strength, combined with great movement skills and a nasty mean streak, and you've got one of the best run blockers in the draft. Not athletic enough for left tackle in the NFL, but someone you could plug in right away at right tackle or move inside at guard.
Paul Richardson Wide Receiver, Colorado
He's the guy you consistently see in the third round of mock drafts, but know nothing about. Richardson doesn't jump off the page listed at 6'1" 175 pounds, and he likely won't break any records at the combine. However, he was one of the most productive receivers in college football last year breaking 29 school records, after he posted a stat line of 83-1,343-10. Richardson has exceptional ball skills and a quick burst that can't be taught, showing the ability to take any pass the distance.
With his average size he will get lost in a deep class filled with talented pass catchers, however, make no mistake; Richardson can play.
Terrance West Running Back, Townson
West is built like a bruiser at 5'11" 226 pounds, but has tremendous quickness and body control to make him the total package. Albeit a small school like Townson, no one had more production in football than West, who had 2,509 yards and 42 touchdowns (yes, 42 touchdowns) in 2013. Giving him a total of 4,584 rushing yards and 86 career touchdowns destroying the old record.
If West was coming out of a college like Alabama he would be a day one pick. With big names like Joe Flacco, Victor Cruz, and Cecil Shorts coming from small schools and having great success, West should hear his name called much sooner than anticipated.
Josh Huff Wide Receiver, Oregon
Huff was one of the big winners during the Senior Bowl and showed me how good he could be on a daily basis. During one-on-ones Huff was almost impossible to jam at the line, using his strength and quick twitch to explode past his defender. From there he had me double checking his measurements over and over, as the 5'11" Huff sacrificed his body in the red zone and over the middle time and time again.
Although no one was keeping count, it was clear Huff would have caught at least eight touchdowns during the three days of practice. While many will look at his size and peg him as a slot receiver, after watching him in person I assure you Huff has the strength and speed to handle himself on the outside, boosting his stock even more.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins Tight End, Washington
It's clear Jenkins is considered one of the top-5 for his position, but yet I have yet to hear anyone make a case for him as being the best tight end of the draft. Before the discussion is even brought up Eric Ebron's name is already written in ink as numero uno, followed by Texas Tech's Jace Amaro close behind. Yet put in the right position, Jenkins possesses the talent to be as productive, if not more, than those two.
At 6'6" Jenkins has a huge catch radius and will be a matchup nightmare in the NFL, similar to Aaron Hernandez for the Patriots. Too big to be covered by safeties and too fast for the average linebacker to keep up, Jenkins is a natural play-making receiver who will excel in new era of athletic pass catching tight ends. A player like that should warrant day one consideration.
Honorable Mentions
Xavier Grimble Tight End, USC
Cody Hoffman Wide Receiver, BYU
Jack Mewhort Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
Troy Niklas Tight End, Notre Dame
Morgan Moses Offensive Tackle, Virginia
A.J. McCarron Quarterback, Alabama
Kevin Norwood Wide Receiver, Alabama
Marcus Martin Center, USC