As NFL teams head to training camp, the most excited and possibly nervous, players are going to be rookies. Why not? It is their first real action with an NFL team, and most of them will be fighting for a role on. First round picks will be focused on living up to the pressure, second and third rounders will be looking to make an impact on offense or defense and everyone else will be fighting for a spot on special teams, or even on the roster itself.
Every year, a few rookies are overlooked during the draft. Whether a top talent falls, or a player drops for reasons unbeknownst to the outside world, each and every rookie has a clean slate once training camp starts.
Here is a list of one player at each position who is underrated heading into camp, but could be a well-known name by the beginning of the season.
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
You must be thinking "How is Bridgewater underrated?", but in reality, he is the most underrated quarterback heading into training camp. The Vikings were able to trade back in to the first round to draft him, and he will battle Matt Cassel for the starting job, but early reports from organized team activities show that Bridgewater has been great, so the underrated train is starting to fade away.
That bodes well for the former Louisville star, so keep an eye on that competition, because before you know it, he will be the signal caller with a very good team around him.
Running Back
Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns
Crowell was undrafted, and will have to fight for a roster spot on a team that signed Ben Tate and drafted Terrence West. But, the talent is not an issue. Crowell was a former Bulldog at Georgia before transferring after some off-field issues. He compares to Bryce Brown as a strong runner with some surprising speed, but lack of experience at a high level. If Crowell can prove to coaches that he is a changed man, it will be tough to keep him off the field.
Wide Receiver
Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bryant was one of the overlooked prospects in this year's draft, simpy because of the depth at the position. But his size/speed combination will certainly land him on the field in Pittsburgh, and he could be a red zone option for the Steelers in his first season. The one inconsistency with Bryant is his hands, but should he fix that, he could be one of the more underrated rookies in the AFC.
Tight End
Colt Lyerla, Green Bay Packers
We all know the story of how Lyerla left Oregon, and had some off-the-field issues. But signing with the Packers could be the best thing that has happened to the former star. Lyerla has the talent to be one of the better tight ends in the game, but he will need to prove that he can stay on the right path. Pairing any pass catcher with Aaron Rodgers will bring out the best, but Lyerla could emerge as a top tight end in Green Bay by the end of the season, should he prove to coaches that he is on the right track.
Offensive Line
Antonio Richardson, Minnesota Vikings
Richardson went undrafted, to many in the NFL draft communities surprise. But the talent is there. Unfortunately for Richardson, unless a starter gets injured, he will likely not start this season. But, being behind Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt is not a bad thing, as "Tiny" will get to learn from two of the better tackles in the NFC. Expect him to make the team and be one of the key reserves along the offensive line.
Defensive Line
Louis Nix, Houston Texans
Nix was the 19th pick in the third round, but he is in line to start for the Texans if his abilities can stay consistent. Why is he underrated? Nix was the best nose tackle in this draft, but had the skills to play as a three-technique as well. Placing him on the same side of the ball with two of the most imposing people in the NFL in J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney will underrate him naturally, but do not sleep on the former Fighting Irish star, as he could be a household nose tackle someday.
Linebacker
Telvin Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars
One issue with Smith was that he was vastly undersized for a linebacker. Either way you look at it, that is a true statement. At 218 pounds, he is one of the smaller linebackers in the NFL, but he is a playmaker. Gus Bradley will be sure to use him in a way that maximizes his abilities, which are to get him into space and prevent the opposition from attaining yards after the line of scrimmage. Smith could not have landed in a better situation than under Bradley in Jacksonville. Expect him to be an instant contributor for the Jaguars, and possibly play a big role on third down for that defense.
Defensive Back
Dion Bailey, Seattle Seahawks
Bailey was signed as an undrafted free agent, but that is not indicative of his talents. A former linebacker at USC, Bailey switched to safety for his last season and showed some potential as a big-time hitter and tackler. He struggles in pass coverage at time, but with the Seahawks, that is not an issue. That defense allows Bailey to do what he does best and wreak havoc in the middle of the field. Keep an eye on him to make the team as a key reserve and special teamer in Seattle.