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NFL Draft Preview :: Underclassmen

From: Scott Allen | April 7, 2010 | Comments(0) | Print | Share |

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In our NFL Draft Preview we will take a look at some of the best underclassmen that are entering this year's draft.  Positions range from defensive tackles to offensive linemen, from running backs to wide receivers.  However, many of the positions that underclassmen will be drafted for are positions that are key building a solid team - offensive and defensive linemen.  

Of the potential top 32 players, approximately 50% are underclassmen, but only a handful are the high powered, flashy positions: running backs, wide receivers, quarterbacks. While these positions will be a need at some point, it seems they are not the essential positions in this draft.  Teams like the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Oakland Raiders all seem to be pointing to picks that would help their offensive lines, while the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns are looking to fill in gaps on the defensive side of the ball.

Will there be concern that half of the top 32 players are underclassmen? In some cases possibly due to immaturity.  In other cases maybe there is concern with developmentally or injury cases.  But I think the overall census would be that these top rated underclassmen obviously have the skills and football know-how to probably succeed at some level in the NFL. These players are not at their prime, nor have they learned everything there is to learn about the game. Therefore, NFL teams are willing to take a chance on these players knowing fully that they can still be developed into the kind of player that team wants.


Top underclassmen prospects: (in no particular order)

Gerald McCoy (DT)
Explosive, highly productive defensive tackle with ability to play through injuries. Run and pass rusher with speed to chase players down. McCoy could make an immediate impact for any team regardless of which team drafts him allowing a weak defensive line to penetrate and cause chaos for the opposing offense.
Projected Team: Tampa Bay

Eric Berry (S)
Scouting Combine: Top performer in 40-yard dash, Bench press, Vertical jump, Broad jump
As a defensive back Berry has great speed as shown in the 40-yard dash.  This explosive speed off the line will help him defend top wide receivers even if he is beat off the line.  He can support not only the pass, but the run defense as well.  Berry plays smart and has great instincts, which has allowed him to be very productive in the college game.  Berry should help transform a weak backfield into a dynamic one with training and experience.
Projected Team: Kansas City

Russell Okung (OT)
Scouting Combine: Top performer in bench press
Great size for offensive tackle allows Okung to have great speed for his position. Okung is able offset the speed of opposing defensive linemen, as well as have the strength to hold of defenders during run plays. Okung could be an immediate impact for a struggling offensive line using his speed and strength to protect any quarterback young or old.
Projected Teams: Washington/Seattle

Bruce Campbell (OT)
Scouting Combine: Top performer in the 40-yard dash, Bench press, Vertical jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle
Campbell has great size and power for his size. His ability to have excellent pass protection by holding his blocks will help with quarterbacks get their passes off effectively.  His initial speed will allow the running game to get setup for big gains. A concern with Campbell is his durability having dealt with multiple issues over his career thus far.
Projected Team: Oakland