2018 NFL Draft prospects: pre-combine Underrated, Overrated and Sleepers

The 2018 NFL draft is shaping up to be wildly unpredictable. Beyond a dozen or so top players, draft analysts and experts have barely formed any consensus on positional rankings or round projections. Before the scouting combine begins on February 27th, one overrated, underrated and sleeper prospect for each category:

Skill

Underrated: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

Sony combines strength, acceleration, vision and balance. Derrius Guice and Ronald Jones are battling to be the second runner off the board. Nonetheless, Michel is a more complete back and would be a nice value selection if available in the second round.

Overrated: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Allen possesses all of the physical tools to become a franchise quarterback except perhaps the two most crucial - football intelligence and accuracy/hand talent. He struggles to read the field and posted a below average completion percentage against Mountain West competition.

Sleeper: Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky

White shares some traits with Josh Allen, specifically elite arm strength and size. He dealt with horrendous protection last season and needs to improve his decision making, but with a mid round grade he is the ideal project to serve as a backup and groom for the future.

Offensive Line

Underrated: Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas

Prototypical size, strength and toughness with a proven All-SEC pedigree. Ragnow should be a Day 2 selection and Week 1 starter.

Overrated: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

McGlinchey is not a great pass blocker and is unlikely to improve much in that regard. Therefore, he does not present first round value. Mike lacks the strength to anchor against power rushers and displays inconsistent footwork.

Sleeper: Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

A wide bodied mauler tailor made for right tackle in a power scheme. Crosby lacks the foot quickness to develop into a Pro Bowl tackle, but may be a long term starter available in the middle rounds.

Defensive Front

Underrated: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Edmunds profiles as an elite edge rusher or three down inside ‘backer. Just 19 years old, his immense untapped potential should result in Tremaine being the first defender selected in the draft.

Overrated: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Davenport is flying up the board based off his measurables, but is a raw prospect who has difficultly playing in space. He could become a force off the edge, but Marcus would probably require two years of development to reach that potential.

Sleeper: Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa

Jewell has some physical limitations, however he is an instinctual, productive and hard working inside linebacker. This red star prospect with pass coverage ability represents a Day 3 value pick.

Secondary

Underrated: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

Davis has been overshadowed by Denzel Ward and Josh Jackson thus far, yet should be a difference maker in a press man scheme. Outstanding length, strength, use of leverage and ball skills should propel him up draft boards after the combine.

Overrated: Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama

Harrison is receiving first round hype, but does not have the range to excel in zone or the agility for man coverage. Capable box safeties can be found much later in the draft.

Sleeper: Tony Brown, DB, Alabama

An athletic specimen who should be available on Day 3. Brown has the versatility to play in the slot, contribute on special teams and possibly transition to safety.