2021 NFL Draft All-Underrated offensive team: Sam Ehlinger leads the way
By John Blair
Offensive Tackle: Alaric Jackson, Iowa
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
Iowa has a knack for developing offensive linemen and the next Hawkeye lineman to get drafted will be Alaric Jackson. All Jackson has done during his career is start at left tackle for three years and been named to the All-Big Ten team three times. While he does need to add some strength, Jackson shows the athleticism to develop into a starting guard or tackle in the NFL.
Offensive Guard: Kendrick Green, Illinois
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
Another Big Ten offensive lineman to make this team is Illinois offensive guard Kendrick Green. Last season, Green was named a USA Today second-team All-American and finished tied for the Power Five lead in big-time blocks with 14 according to Pro Football Focus. His top asset as a player is his quickness as he does a great job of getting off the ball. It would be a surprise if Green did not develop into an NFL starting offensive guard.
Center: Drake Jackson, Kentucky
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
One of the best run blockers in the 2021 NFL Draft is Kentucky center Drake Jackson. Despite being only 290 pounds, he has both the strength to win most matchups and also the mobility to easily get linebackers while blocking. While he needs to refine his pass blocking some he is someone who should make it as a backup in 2020 and hopefully develop into a starter down the road. This is all you can really ask for in a player projected to be a seventh-round pick.
Most valuable Centers in football last season (per PFF Wins Above Average):
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 16, 2021
1. Landon Dickerson, Alabama
2. Drake Jackson, Kentucky
3. Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/lXEcmNpCth
Offensive Guard: Jack Anderson, Texas Tech
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
Texas Tech’s Jack Anderson is a versatile offensive lineman who has the ability to play either center or guard in the NFL. To go along with his versatility he shows good tenacity and consistently blocks to the whistle.
Next. NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings. dark
Offensive Tackle: Brady Christensen, BYU
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth Round
One of the best left tackles in college football over the past few years has been Brady Christensen of BYU. He was named the highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus in 2020 and overall has started three years at left tackle for the Cougars. Christensen has ideal size and feet to play left tackle in the NFL