2022 NFL Draft Notebook: Preseason All-Underrated Offensive Team
By John Blair
Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft, NDN named its all All-Underrated team. In order to make this team, each player had to carry a fourth-round or later grade by Pro Football Network. Now that these players have been drafted and are in training camp it is a good time to look at how these players are doing with their new teams.
Quarterback: Sam Ehlinger, Indianapolis Colts
Last year’s quarterback class was a very thin position as only two quarterbacks were drafted on day three of the draft. One of those players was former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger who made the All-Underrated team last year mainly due to his toughness and high football IQ which are two of the traits the Colts saw in him as well. Going into training camp it looks like he should make the team or at least the practice squad as the team’s third quarterback.
Running Back: Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
It was a surprise to see Gainwell fall to the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, as he was rated as the 6th best running back in the draft. Lucky for Gainwell though he landed in a good situation in Philadelphia, where he should see plenty of carries behind Miles Sanders.
Fullback: Ben Mason, Baltimore Ravens
Ben Mason finds himself in a tough situation in Baltimore. He will likely not beat out Patrick Richard as the number one fullback. He will also have a hard time making it as the team’s number three tight end especially after showing questionable hands so far. His best bet might be to be a member of the Ravens practice squad.
Wide Receiver: Pooka Williams, Cincinnati Bengals
Former Kansas running back Pooka Williams made this team off the potential he showed as a slot receiver which is something the Cincinnati Bengals saw in him as well. While Williams went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft he has a strong chance of making the team as an offensive weapon and punt returner.
On Pooka Williams:
— Grumpy Middle-aged Sports Fan (Josh Kirkendall) (@Josh_Kirkendall) July 28, 2021
"One of the more interesting undrafted players we’ve seen in recent years, Williams will try to carve out a hybrid role that can basically make him an offensive weapon in a package and try to win the open punt returner spot."https://t.co/l9X0ix2VVa
Wide Receiver: Jaelon Darden, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jaelon Darden has already opened peoples eyes with how easily he is able to get open in his few practices with the Buccaneers. He has also seen some time on special teams returning kicks which is where he could make the most impact this coming season. One area he does need to improve on though is securing the catch as he has had some drops.
Tight End: Tommy Tremble, Carolina Panthers
Former Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble was the second-highest draft pick of this group when he went to the Carolina Panthers with the 83rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite being drafted in the third round he might not see a ton of time on the field this season since he is currently behind Ian Thomas and Dan Arnold on the depth chart.
Offensive Tackle: Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
It seems very unlikely that Alaric Jackson will make the Rams squad and at best he will make some team’s practice squad.
Offensive Guard: Kendrick Green, Pittsburgh Steelers
A pleasant surprise for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been third-round choice Kendrick Green. Green has earned plenty of first-team reps at center and from all accounts looks like he has a strong chance of winning the job over J.C. Hassenauer.
Center: Drake Jackson, Detroit Lions
Despite going undrafted, former Kentucky offensive lineman Drake Jackson has a solid shot of making the Lions opening day roster. Jackson should fit in well in Detroit as the Lions want to play a physical style of football and Jackson was one of the best run blockers in college football last season.
Offensive Guard: Jack Anderson, Buffalo Bills
A player that I had a much higher grade on than where he went in the draft is Jack Anderson. Anderson carried a fourth-round grade on my board but fell all the way to the seventh round when the Buffalo Bills took him with the 236th pick. He is currently in a training camp battle with Tommy Doyle and Ryan Bates to earn a spot on the Bills roster.
Offensive Tackle: Brady Christensen, Carolina Panthers
The only NFL franchise to add two players from the All-Underrated offensive team is the Carolina Panthers who took tight end Tommy Tremble and offensive tackle Brady Christensen. If the team decides to have Taylor Moton play left tackle this season there is a good chance Christensen will win the starting right tackle job.