2021 NFL Draft All-Underrated offensive team: Sam Ehlinger leads the way

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.

Wide Receiver: Pooka Williams, Kansas
2021 NFL Draft grade: Free agent

A player definitely worth taking a flyer on late in the draft due to his speed is Pooka Williams of Kansas. At his pro day, Williams ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and displayed this speed consistently on the field as well, during his career with the Jayhawks. While Williams played running back at Kansas, he will likely have to make the switch to receiver in the NFL due to a lack of size and strength.

Wide Receiver: Jaelon Darden, North Texas
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round

A team looking for a dynamic wide receiver on day three would be wise to look at Jaelon Darden of North Texas. Darden is a shifty player who is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Last season, he averaged 16.1 yards per receptions and had 19 touchdown receptions. A team that loves to get the ball to their receivers on short passes and allow them to pick up yards after the catch will surely be attracted to Darden.

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Tight End: Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round

Despite not having a ton of college production, Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble has the upside to develop into a starting NFL tight end. Tremble is one of the better blocking tight ends in the 2021 NFL Draft as he shows good strength in this area. He also offers exciting potential as a receiver despite never catching more than 19 passes in a season. While he may need some more time to develop he will end up being a very good draft pick especially if he falls to the fourth round.

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.

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.

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