A pair of Iowa Hawkeyes lead the 2021 NFL Draft All-Underrated defensive team
By John Blair
Outside Linebacker: Patrick Johnson, Tulane
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Sixth round
For a player projected to go in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Patrick Johnson is quite the pass rusher. This past season he finished with ten sacks which gave him a total of 24.5 sacks over his career. Despite being on the smaller side coming in at only 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds he holds up well against the run, and has the ability to turn into a complete linebacker.
Middle Linebacker: Nick Niemann, Iowa
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Free agent
The second Iowa Hawkeye to make this list is linebacker Nick Niemann. Niemann has both the production and athletic ability to develop into a starting linebacker in the NFL. Last season, he led Iowa in tackles with 77 and also came away with 2.5 tackles for loss. In terms of athletic ability, he had a strong pro day where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds and also posted a 6.67 three-cone drill time.
Outside Linebacker: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Sixth round
Oregon State’s Hamilcar Rashed Jr had one of the most impressive seasons in 2019. He finished third in sacks in the FBS that year with 14 and also set a school record with 22.5 tackles for loss. Unfortunately, the last word you would use to describe his 2020 season is impressive though. This past season he only finished with 23 tackles and two tackles for loss. If he can regain his 2019 form he could be a solid player in the NFL.