NFL Draft Prospects: 5 most underrated players slated to go in Round 1

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 01: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

4. Isaiah Simmons

It’s difficult for a potential top-five pick to be deemed underrated, but that speaks to just how good Simmons can be a the next level. Any defense in the NFL would love to have a versatile star that has the size of a linebacker and runs like a safety.

Simmons is a wrecking ball from the linebacker position. When he’s turned loose to make his way up field he can find himself in the opposing backfield in a hurry. His combination of quick twitch athleticism and length makes him impossible for offensive lineman to stay in front of.

That’s not where his value stops though. Simmons also has the fluidity to drop deep in coverage and make plays. The idea of a linebacker who is capable of running with any tight end in the league down the seam should be driving defensive coordinators mad with interest in Simmons as a prospect.

Simmons deserves to be in the conversation with Jeff Okudah as the consensus No. 3 overall prospect in this draft class. Instead, he seems to be an afterthought for teams armed with top 10 picks. That’s not good enough for a player who can blossom into an All-Pro early in his NFL career.

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