The NFL draft combine is almost here, and a lot has changed since the last time I posted a list of underrated draft prospects.
We now know who’s in the draft, and my list of players I’ve scouted is now sitting above 1000.
Prior to the combine, let’s look at a list of players who I think are better than their current draft stock indicates.
Keep in mind that if you’re reading this after the NFL combine, there’s a chance some of these guys are no longer underrated.
Most Underrated NFL Draft Prospects in 2022
Cole Kelley, QB, SE Louisiana State
I wrote about Cole Kelley when I was previewing the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and he’s garnered a bit of a hype since then.
As one of just 15 QBs invited to the Combine, Kelley is clearly getting attention from NFL scouts. Media scouts have been a lot quieter about him.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the 7th quarterback taken in the draft, like early day 3.
Kelley has plus size, great athleticism for his size, a strong arm, improved accuracy, and incredible production.
The 6’7″ 260 pound Arkansas transfer threw for over 5000 yards and 44 touchdowns on a 73.6% completion percentage this past season for Southeast Louisiana in the FCS.
He dominated at the Hula Bowl, and was a late invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl where he also performed well.
Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
On paper, nothing about Kyle Phillips really jumps off the page. He’s not very imposing physically at 5’11” 190, and his stats were good but not eye-popping, totaling 739 yards and 10 touchdowns.
As soon as you turn on the film, you see why a few people online have really fallen in love with him.
Phillips is an incredible route runner who creates separation as well as anyone in the class. He has good top end speed, excellent footwork toward the sidelines, and is able to break tackles.
Phillips was named 1st Team All-PAC12 over more-production WRs, and was also 2nd team all-conference as a return specialist.
There’s a lot of depth in the WR class, but he’s done enough to push himself into my top 10 WR prospects.
Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan
People have talked down about Haskins because of his lack of top end speed and being “too patient”.
But I’ll let you in on a not so well-kept secret: Not all NFL running backs are fast. There, I said it.
Haskins won’t run a 4.40, but he’s got great power and enough speed to get chunk yardage.
He was insanely productive this past year, albeit behind a good o-line, totaling 1327 rushing yards and 20(!!) rushing touchdowns.
His nose for the end zone is a translatable skill given his size, and he has shown good vision.
He’s not in contention for RB1 status, but he’s NFL ready and able to produce in any system.
Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
I talked about Kolar back in November, and I’ll mention him once more.
Kolar has been dominating college football for years, getting All-American recognition in the past. Despite this, he hasn’t been getting much love from draft analysts.
At 6’6″ 260 pounds, Kolar has prototypical size for the position. He’s helped block for one of the nation’s best running backs, and has been a consistent safety blanket for Brock Purdy.
There may be slightly more fluid tight ends, but no one has done as much for their team as Kolar. He lines up all over the field and has been dominant split out wide, in the slot, and on the line of scrimmage.
The only big problem for Kolar is he doesn’t have the menacing, chiseled frame of most guys his size. But he’s at a healthy weight will plenty of power.
I was a little surprised when he decided to return to school for the 2021 season, and I expect him to be one of the most NFL-ready tight end prospects in the draft.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Petit-Frere is known to be a good prospect, but he should be a legitimate 1st round prospect.
Petit-Frere is an elite athlete who dominated at left tackle and especially right tackle for Ohio State in his 2 years as a starter.
He’s got long arms and very quick feet, with one of the top pass protection grades in all of college football.
The former 5 star recruit earned 1st team All-Conference recognition along with 2nd team All-America honors, and has enough power to continue to develop as a run blocker. He’s also very intelligent and well-spoken, with a plus-attitude off the field.
Somehow, he’s rarely ever included in 1st round mock drafts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if an NFL team out there has him ranked as OT1.
While he’s only my 5th ranked OT at the moment, there’s enough to like about him to be firmly in the first round conversation.
Nick Ford, C, Utah
Nick Ford was among the top NFL combine snubs, meaning NFL decision makers don’t view him as a top-300 prospect. I currently have him ranked as the 5th best center in the draft.
Ford is as versatile as they come. He’s started 40 games in his career, and has started at least one game at every position on the offensive line. He’ll stick on the inside at the next level, and was 1st team All-Pac12 as a center in 2021.
Ford has good size at 6’5″ 315 pounds, with NFL power and quick enough feet to redirect and climb to the next level.
His snapping was consistent enough to continue at the pivot in the NFL, and he gets off the ball reasonably fast.
Interior o-line is a spot where athletic traits aren’t always the most important, and I think Ford will be a great example of that. He wouldn’t have ran fast at the combine, but it doesn’t matter. His versatility, size, experience, intelligence, and technique will be good enough to earn him an NFL roster spot as a rookie.
Dion Novil, DT, North Texas
I haven’t seen any mention of Dion Novil from draft analysts, but I expect a team will fall in love with him at the North Texas pro day.
At 6’4″ and over 310 pounds, Novil has great power and an insanely fast first step. If you watch the North Texas defense for even just 5 snaps, you’ll be able to spot him. He consistently blows up plays and pushes guards right into the opposing quarterback with his fast get off.
Novil followed up a good 2018 campaign with an incredible 2019 season, putting up 61 total tackles from the interior of the d-line and forcing 13 tackles for loss. Those are gaudy numbers from an interior lineman who doesn’t have much help from his edge rushers.
In 2020 the numbers were down while he was constantly double teamed, but he dominated enough to garner 1st Team All-Conference honors. He was a good player again in 2021, and in a weak defensive tackle class should be able to pull out a day 3 pick despite not getting a combine invite.
Owen Carney, EDGE, Illinois
Carney was a senior last year who decided to return with his extra year of eligibility, and he’s again been a disruptive force for the Illini. At 6’3″ 275 pounds with a chiseled frame, Carney often plays upright on the side of the line, and has plus athleticism.
Carney is a perfect fit as a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE, and is very experienced with over 50 career games. He’s used to being the only elite edge rusher on his team and draws a lot of looks from opposing o-lines, but could absolutely dominate as a pass rusher alongside a more talented front 7.
When you see him, it just screams “NFL.” I wouldn’t be surprised if Carney ends up being a better pro than he was college player, so long as you’re able to get consistent focus on every play.
Darien Butler, LB, Arizona State
Darien Butler is an undersized linebacker prospect at 6’0″ 225 pounds, but he’s very athletic and incredible in coverage.
Butler had a great week at the East West Shrine Game, and played a versatile role for Arizona State in 2021.
While the tackling productivity doesn’t jump off the page, he accelerates well and is capable of big hits.
Butler had no issues taking the jump to the college level, as he was a day 1 starter as a freshman. He was also the first sophomore captain in Arizona State history, displaying excellent leadership and heart.
With the athleticism, leadership, and zone coverage ability of an NFL starter, Butler deserves potential day 2 looks in a fairly average linebacker class.
Montaric Brown, CB, Arkansas
Rankings of the cornerback class are a great example of the false consensus in media scouting.
All the media scouts called Derek Stingley the top corner, then one person reported that NFL teams disagree, and suddenly everyone in the media changes their mind.
People called Andrew Booth a potential top 10 prospect, then a report comes out that an NFL team gave him a 3rd round grade, and he drops down lower in media rankings.
The point is: Opinions vary A LOT on the corner class, even if it doesn’t seem that way when looking at online rankings and mock drafts. Montaric Brown is a great example of a player who isn’t getting much attention, but has a chance to go as early as the 2nd round if he impresses at the combine (or early day 3 if he doesn’t run fast).
Brown dominated the SEC level the past two seasons.
In a conference with Alabama, the nation’s top defense (Georgia) and DBU (LSU), Montaric Brown still managed to earn 1st Team All-SEC honors this past season. Beating out the likes of Derion Kendrick (2nd team), Jalyn Armour-Davis (2nd team), Kaiir Elam, Josh Jobe, and Martin Emerson.
Brown is a 6’0″ 190 pound press corner who totaled 5 interceptions and 6 more pass break ups this past season, and did a good job of locking down SEC receivers.
He has shown improvement against the run, and totaled 54 tackles on the year.
Yet somehow, people are giving him 7th round grades.
Some question the athleticism of Brown, which means the combine will be a big week for him. Despite holding up against SEC speed, there’s a saying in scouting that if you run slower than 4.6, you’re a safety. If Brown puts up a good time, he’ll be a massive climber over the next few weeks.
Andrew Mevis, K, Iowa State
✅ 67-yards
NFL Draft eligible kicker Andrew Mevis (@CycloneFB) wins the field goal finals at the 2022 #KohlsProCombine with a 67-yard kick.
🎥 Full Competition: https://t.co/0Efdh45U1y pic.twitter.com/ALPCTNC2ww
— Kohl’s Kicking Camps (@KohlsKicking) February 16, 2022
Andrew Mevis has really grown on me since the end of the regular season, and is now my #2 kicker prospect.
Mevis has a massive leg capable of hitting 60+ yard field goals, and was a very solid 20-of-23 on field goals in his one year at Iowa State.
Mevis is a great kickoff specialist who will have no issues handling the role in the NFL, and has a quick stroke on his field goals with adequate lift.
The Fordham transfer didn’t face much adversity having to recover from missed kicks during his time in the FBS, but showed good mental fortitude when kicking at the FCS level.
Other than Cade York, there isn’t another kicker with the combination of power, accuracy, and technique you see with Mevis.
