2021 NFL Draft All-Underrated offensive team: Sam Ehlinger leads the way
By John Blair
As we enter the final stages of the 2021 NFL Draft process it is time to look at some underrated players in this class. In order to meet the fourth round or later criteria, each player had to be given a fourth-round grade or later by Pro Football Network. The All-Underrated defensive team will come out once all defensive position previews have been released.
Please note the draft grade assigned with each prospect is the draft grade they were given by Pro Football Network.
Quarterback: Sam Ehlinger, Texas
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Sixth round
While it is highly unlikely a team will get a starting quarterback this late in the draft, finding a good backup has to be considered a win. That is exactly what a team will be getting in Sam Ehlinger who is one of the toughest and smartest quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite not being the greatest passer in the NFL, he does enough in this area to be a solid number two quarterback. It would not surprise if he had a similar career to former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who is entering his 12th year in the league.
Running Back: Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
While Trey Sermon would have been the easy choice here if he was graded as a fourth-round pick instead of a third-round pick, Memphis’s Kenneth Gainwell is not a bad fallback option. Gainwell is a multi-purpose back who can help out in the passing game as well as the running game. In 2019 which was the last year he played college football he finished with 51 receptions and also rushed for 1,459 yards.
Fullback: Ben Mason, Michigan
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
The only fullback in the 2021 NFL Draft who will likely get drafted is Ben Mason out of Michigan. What makes Mason standout is his strong run blocking skills. He shows outstanding toughness in this area and is also fundamentally sound. While Mason has not been used much as a receiver he does possess the ability to be an outlet receiver in the passing game.