Most Underrated Players in the 2010 NFL Draft

Underrated

Brandon Spikes (linebacker, Florida)
-A poor 40 time has quickly moved Spikes from being a potential top 15 pick to possible a 3rd-4th rounder. Throughout his career Spikes demonstrated that he has all the tools to be a very good linebacker at the NFL level. His passion and leadership will entice teams to make a wise decision to draft him. He is an above average pass rusher and he is very good at getting off of blocks. Scouts think he will not be able to cover backs and tight ends at the next level but while at Florida Spikes had 6 interceptions over the past 2 seasons. At 6-5 he is able to quickly recognize plays and he hits like a truck. If a 3-4 team is able to draft Spikes, he will quickly develop into a team leader and leading tackler. Haven't we learned that 40 yard dash times are overrated?

Jerry Hughes (defensive end/outside linebacker, TCU)

-Very explosive first step will allow him to speed past offensive tackles before they even get out of their stance. Was a very productive player for a great TCU defense. When watching Hughes, you can tell he really loves the game and gives 110% on every play. In an attacking 3-4 scheme, Hughes has the ability to be one of the games best pass rushers. He is a bit undersized but makes up for it with great technique and hand usage. Right now he is projected to be an early 2nd round pick. Any team that snatches him up will be getting a player that can contribute right away as a 3rd down pass rusher.

Mardy Gilyard (wide receiver, Cincinnati)

- The prototypical slot receiver. He is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Played in a pass happy offense at Cincinnati which helped him develop superior route running skills. He has above average hands and he can make touch catches in traffic. He will be an immediate threat as a kick/punt returner. Right now he is projected to be a 3rd round pick but he should go higher. Seems very similar to last year's offensive rookie of the year, Percy Harvin.

Montario Hardesty (running back, Tennesee)

-A tough back who knows how to break tackles. He is not a big name due to the fact that he only had one standout season under Lane Kiffin. He does not have a lot of wear and tear on him considering he only had 560 carries in a 5 year career at Tennessee. Unlike many backs in this draft, he has the ability to carry the ball 25 times per game. Is a great receiver out of the backfield. Tennessee is known for producing quality NFL backs and Hardesty may be next in line.

Tony Pike (quarterback, Cincinnati)

-Really elevated his draft stock with a strong senior season. At 6-6 he reminds some of a poor man's Joe Flacco. He has a strong arm and a quick release. Throws the ball similar to Chad Henne of the Miami Dolphins. Before his junior season he was not even on the quarterback depth chart at so he has made tremendous strides in only 2 years. He can fit the ball into tight holes and knows when to take chances. It remains a mystery to me why he is being rated lower then Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow. Somebody will likely draft Pike in the 4th/5th round but he has the talent and ability to be an NFL starter in 2-3 years.

Joe Haden (corner back, Florida)

-Should easily be a top 10 pick considering how pass-happy the league has become. Over the past 3 years, Haden has gotten better and better since starting at corner as a true freshmen back in 2007. He was once thought to be a lock to go to the Cleveland Browns at #7 but a poor forty may have knocked him back to the 15-20 range. During his career, he has shut down standout SEC receivers, and future NFL stars, Julio Jones and A.J Green. He has above average man-to-man cover abilities for a college corner back. Like all pro corners Darrelle Revis and Charles Woodson, he will come up in run support and rarely misses a tackle. Haden is arguably the best corner back prospect of the last 5 years.