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Every year people have their favorite players that the think aren't getting enough attention. This year, these are Terry Lambert's and my top three underrated players.
Lambert's picks
Preston Smith, DL, Mississippi State
I think Preston Smith has been largely overlooked throughout this process. He has a big frame (6'5, 271 pounds) and can really move. He has some of the best hands of this entire class. His ability to disengage and get off of blocks on the move is special. I think he fits best as a pure 4-3 end, but he's versatile enough to flourish in any defensive front. If you can keep his motor running hot, you've got a future star.
T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Clemmings was a rapid riser early in the process, but he lost some steam when he struggled against top talent at the Senior Bowl. However, when you put the regular season tape on, Clemmings was a stud. He shows left tackle foot quickness and a nasty streak when run blocking. The part that makes him so intriguing is that he has only been playing the tackle position for two years. He's a converted defensive end that hasn't really scratched the surface of what he can do yet. There are some technical flaws there, but with a little work Clemmings could be the best tackle from this class.
Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Devin Smith gets lost in a deep crop of receivers, but his game speed may be the best of any of them. He has another gear that he can kick into downfield, getting behind safeties regularly. He shows off a good ability to track passes and haul them in over the shoulder. Smith is a work in progress working the middle of the field, but he will instantly stretch the field for any NFL offense. That's what you're drafting him to be. He's very similar to the Mike Wallace that we saw early in his career in Pittsburgh.
My picks:
Hau'oli Kiakaha EDGE, Washington
Not only was Kikaha one of the most productive pass rushers in the last few years, he has everything you could want (well except healthy knees). The relentless rusher from Washington would give the Titans a pass rusher that finally can live up to KVB's legendary motor and he could be the perfect player to work into a situational role for Tennessee behind Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.
Donovan Smith OT, Penn State
Smith didn't have a great 2014, but he jumped off of the page against tough opponents in 2013. When he gets mad and focus, he has the ability to be as good as D.J. Fluker at a quarter of the price. If you put him on the offensive line at right tackle next to Chance Warmack, this team could finally have a solid run-blocking tandem on that side.
Denzel Perryman ILB, Miami
This is a bad man. Perryman is the classic ILB that you don't want to meet between the tackles, and he is one of the most fun players to watch in this year's draft. His instincts are off the chart and whether you liked the player or not, he reminds me a lot of what Ray Lewis in his career. He sees everything before it happens and as long as you don't leave him in coverage he won't upset you. I think Perryman could be a top-5 two-down linebacker in the NFL, and while that is devalued, getting him in the fourth round to pair with a good blitzer like Avery Williamson would make this team very fun to watch vs the run.