2022 NFL Draft Notebook: Preseason All-Underrated Offensive Team

Now that NFL Draft Notebook has taken a look at each offensive position in the 2022 NFL Draft it’s time to come out with our second annual preseason All-Underrated team. This team is led by Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim who despite averaging a school-record 153 rushing yards a game is still receiving free agent grades from NFL scouts. This team also features a quarterback who has the ability to rise from a day three prospect to a late first-round pick, a big athletic wide receiver who is being completely overlooked, and a tight end who could have a breakout season this year.

Along with naming our preseason all-underrated team this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also takes a look at the following

• How the 2021 all-underrated team is doing with their new team
• A small school running back worth watching this season
• The top centers in the 2022 NFL Draft
• Why the Miami Dolphins will likely look to add a center in next year’s draft
• And much more

All-Underrated offensive team

Quarterback: Phil Jurkovec, Boston College

It seems like every year we see a quarterback rise from a day-three prospect into a first-rounder and this year that quarterback could be Phil Jurkovec of Boston College. In his first year as a starter, last season, Jurkovec threw for 2,588 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to only five interceptions. He has the prototypical size the NFL loves as well coming in at 6-foot-5 and 226 pounds and moves well for someone his size.

Running Back: Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota

Any time a player is described as a bowling ball going downhill with razor blades on it, by his head coach he is someone worth keeping an eye on. To go along with his praise from his head coach Ibrahim has the production to be day two draft pick. Last season, he set a school record with an average of 153 rushing yards per game and also scored 15 rushing touchdowns. Despite this though Ibrahim is receiving free agent grades by NFL scouts according to Pro Football Network, which definitely makes him one of the most underrated prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Fullback: Zander Horvath, Purdue

A prospect who is in the Kyle Juszczyk mold is Zander Horvath. Like Juszczyk, Horvath can hurt teams in various ways, including rushing the ball or catching the ball out of the backfield. Last season, he rushed for 442 yards and averaged five yards per carry. He also was able to record 30 receptions on the year, giving him a total of 51 career receptions.

Wide Receiver: Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama

One of the best Group of Five players in the 2022 NFL Draft is Jalen Tolbert of South Alabama who grades out as the eighth-best receiver on NFL Draft Notebook’s draft board. Some of the traits that make him such an intriguing prospect include his 6-foot-3 size, impressive athletic ability, and consistent hands. Tolbert is someone who could see his stock rise significantly if he has a strong Senior Bowl.

Wide Receiver: Elijah Cooks, Nevada

A player who is off the draft radar going into the season is Nevada wide receiver, Elijah Cooks. The reason he is being overlooked is that he missed most of last season due to a shoulder injury. However, when you go back and watch his junior film you see a big athletic wide receiver who excels at making the tough catch.

Tight End: Lucas Krull, Pittsburgh 

The player with the least amount of production on this team is Pittsburgh tight end, Lucas Krull. Krull who started his college career off at Florida, before transferring to Pittsburgh last season, only has 10 career receptions and zero touchdowns. Despite this lack of production, he has the overall measurables including his 6-foot-6 260-pound size, and 4.6 speed to be a sleeper in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Offensive Tackle: Obinna Eze, TCU

Obinna Eze is an enormous prospect (6-8 315) who has only been playing football since his senior year in high school. Despite his limited experience on the field Eze has proven he is one of the better tackles in college football, and his length, long arms, and overall strength should help him transition to the NFL.

Offensive Guard: Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

The most feared lineman in the ACC is Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State. What makes Ekwonu such a feared prospect is his overpowering strength. Last season, he led the Wolfpack with 50 pancake blocks and 22 knockdowns and was overall one of the strongest run blockers in college football last season.

Center: Alex Forsyth, Oregon

Last season was the first season Alex Forsyth was a full-time starter and he made the most of this opportunity. He was named to the Pac 12 All-Conference team and showed enough to earn a high day three draft grade by NFL Draft Notebook. Despite this strong season though he is still being overlooked by most draftniks including Mel Kiper who doesn’t list him as one of his top centers and NFL Draft Scout which lists him as the 15th best center.

Offensive Guard: Josh Sills, Oklahoma State

One of the bigger offensive linemen in the 2022 NFL Draft is Josh Sills who comes in at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds. He has the strength to go with this size as well and is able to control his defender consistently once he gets his hands on him.

Offensive Tackle: Trevor Penning, UNI

The University of Northern Iowa will likely produce a second-day offensive tackle draft pick two years in a row this season in Trevor Penning. Last season, the Panthers saw Spencer Brown go in the third round and Penning has the talent to be an even high draft pick.