Underrated Prospects in the Upcoming NFL Draft

Aside from the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft is arguably the next-biggest moment of any team’s season.
It’s the time when franchises get the opportunity to try and build for the future, picking up gems from the college game that will give them the chance to compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and be one of the best organizations the league has witnessed.
Underrated Picks Continue To Work
To get there, they will have to make sure they use their picks wisely. Sometimes, that can mean taking chances on underrated prospects. For instance, the decision by the New England Patriots in 2000 to select Tom Brady as the #199 pick in the sixth round of that year’s draft is arguably the most famous of them all.
Admittedly, there haven’t been many that have been just as underrated as him when being considered a prospect. However, there have been some that have been selected lower than their performances in the NFL since being selected. When looking at the teams and their starting quarterbacks involved in the Championship Games ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Jalen Hurts is the only one not to have been taken in the first round.
Since the Philadelphia Eagles selected Hurts in the 2020 Draft in the second round as the #53 pick and became the full-time starter in 2021 under Nick Sirianni, he has helped the team to reach the postseason each year, including the Super Bowl in 2022. With these contributions, it’s no surprise that they are among the betting favorites according to the odds listed on https://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/odds/las-vegas/, with the team expected to get past the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game.
This season, he has thrown two touchdowns in his two postseason appearances so far, scoring a further one rushing touchdown. However, what makes the Eagles potent this season on offense has been the addition of Saquon Barkley. A potential MVP winner, the running back has two rushing touchdowns, having run for a total of 324 yards in his two games. With this tandem in operation, it’s why many believe they will reach Super Bowl LIX.
Which Players Could Be The Next Underrated Draft Picks?
As the 2024 NFL season edges closer to Super Bowl LIX, most of the league has already turned its attention to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Anyone who has been following the mock drafts and all of the talk that surrounds the annual event will have already heard several names be mentioned. Most of the discussion will consider those going high on the board, often involving the potential #1 pick. With most of those at the top looking for a new quarterback, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are often considered the next man to go first. Outside of these individuals, Travis Hunter is another who is often cited as a top selection.
However, what about those who are going under the radar this year? Which players could have a career that turns out to be so much better than NFL scouts are perhaps considering may be achieved?
Iowa State’s Darien Porter is a name that some have highlighted as having potential but going under the radar. The cornerback is a powerful player, but being 24 and having only a few snaps throughout his six-year college career does make him a risk. Nonetheless, he has the potential to be a big hit if selected.
Elsewhere, Rylie Mills of Notre Dame might be another selection for a team that is considered underrated. Another older player in the draft, he could fall down the list and be a late selection, but he has the ability to transform the defensive line with his tackle ability.
TCU’s Jack Bech is expected to be a Day 3 selection, with it widely believed there are better wide receivers available on the board before his number comes up. However, this could make him an incredibly underrated prospect for the right team. He finished his final college season with 1,034 yards and 9 touchdowns, utilizing his physical frame to make plays happen. Teams may find that he isn’t the most accomplished in terms of football skills, but what he doesn’t have here, he more than makes up for in other areas of his game.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com