5 Best Under-the-Radar NFL Draft Prospects
Everyone knows the top players in the 2021 NFL Draft. For months we have all been talking about the top guys, guys like Trevor Lawrence, Ja’Marr Chase, and Penei Sewell. Teams aren’t just built through the first round though, with the following rounds arguably more important to a team's success. With that in mind, here are five underrated players that can help their teams come out of Cleveland as big winners.
Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State
This is a great year to need a center, but when talking about the top guys Ohio State’s Josh Myers’ name seems to be left out. Josh Myers was one of the most pleasant surprises of this draft cycle for me. When watching the Ohio State line, with a focus placed on top draft-eligible guard Wyatt Davis, it was Myers who impressed me most in the end.
Josh Myers is my type of lineman. He is a nasty run blocker, who always seems to be putting defenders on the ground. He constantly pushes his man back a few yards, clearing out a lane for his running back.
What I especially love is how Myers eliminates the defender at the first level before climbing. It’s a very simple thing, but far too many linemen get overzealous trying to take out linebackers, not completely dealing with the initial threat. Don’t say Myers is unathletic either, he’s really good at moving up to the second level once the defensive lineman is dealt with. He has good feet, good strength, good IQ, and is 100% worth taking early on day two.
Osa Odighizuwa, DT UCLA
This defensive tackle class is a bit… uninspiring. Unlike years past, there really isn’t a standout top-level defensive tackle this year. The group as a whole isn’t really that great, granted you can find some solid run stuffers in this class. Everyone is trying their hardest to find the diamond in the (very) rough that is the 2021 defensive tackle class, and I believe the diamond is UCLA’s Osa Odighizuwa.
I am a massive, massive advocate for football players having a wrestling background. If you as a lineman want to improve yourself on the field, one great way to do so is through wrestling. A great example is Osa Odighizuwa. The former three-time Oregon state high school wrestling champion, Odighizuwa’s wrestling background is extremely evident in his leverage battle. He is almost always the lowest man, sinking his hips and using his hands really well.
Besides his great leverage, Odighizuwa bolts off the line of scrimmage. It was extremely evident at the senior bowl, with offensive linemen struggling to stay in front of him. He’s super explosive off the ball, and quick with his hands to beat offensive linemen. In an uninspiring defensive tackle class, Osa Odighizuwa is one of the most fun guys to watch.
Brenden Jaimes, OT Nebraska
Offensive line is stacked this year, especially at offensive tackle. I’m not even done watching all of them and the only other position that can rival the talent and depth at offensive tackle is at wide receiver. Everyone knows the early-round guys, such as Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater, but if you’re looking for an under-the-radar mid-late round guy, Nebraska’s Brenden Jaimes is your guy.
Whether it is at tackle or kicked inside, Brenden Jaimes is a prospect that should be a good swing tackle, with starting potential. Something you notice when watching Nebraska is, almost no pressure ever comes from the left side. Brenden Jaimes gets the job done. He has good technique, using quick and active hands. I love linemen that get hands-on defenders first.
Alongside some quick hands for Jaimes are some quick feet. Even if the defender beats Jaimes with an initial move or Jaimes gets caught leaning, he does a wonderful job at recovering and staying with the pass rusher. Another thing I love about Jaimes is how he rarely is on the ground. In a stacked offensive lineman class, don’t forget about one of the best technicians in Brenden Jaimes.
Cade Johnson, WR South Dakota State
Just like at offensive line, wide receiver is equally stacked this year. You can list off over 20 receivers this year and you’ll be hard-pressed to dislike any of them. It’s an extremely deep class, full of mid-late round guys who can become contributors for teams. Cade Johnson is the most underrated guy in that group.
In a group that has a ton of slot receiver options, Cade Johnson is my favorite outside of the top 10. I am extremely high on Cade, with a 3rd round grade on the South Dakota State wide receiver. He is everything I look for in a slot receiver. He is extremely quick and elusive, leaving defensive backs in the dust with his superb route running. The best thing about Johnson is that he catches everything. Cade Johnson gives me Cole Beasley vibes, an underrated slot receiver who is one of the key cogs to his team’s success for years.
Payton Turner, EDGE Houston
Payton Turner is an edge rusher that not enough people are talking about. He immediately aces the eye test. He is huge at 6’5 270, and he has a massive wingspan. He uses the length really well, and his size looks to give him the ability to play inside and outside.
The most impressive thing about Turner is that he’s able to play like a man 30 pounds lighter than him. He’s not just a traditional power rusher. Turner is able to explode out of his stance, and uses pass rush moves and finesse to blow by unsuspecting offensive linemen. He even shows great bend for his size. When looking at this edge rusher class, Payton Turner is a lot better than some players receiving much more hype.
Writer
-By: Jacob Keppen