CBS Sports names 3 SEC players it considers ‘underrated NFL Draft prospects’
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
The 2022 NFL Draft begins April 28 in Las Vegas, and a host of college football players will hope that their names are called selected during the 3-day event. That adds a sense of urgency to draft-eligible players to ensure that they do everything they can to improve their draft stock and make a move up the board.
While fans may be familiar with a number of players that are sure to be taken, there are others that might fly under the radar a little on the national stage. On Friday, CBS Sports writer and former NFL defensive back Bryant McFadden released his first-ever Top 20 list of underrated draft prospects, and 3 players from the SEC made the cut.
Topping the list for SEC players was Chris Rodriguez Jr. from Kentucky, McFadden’s No. 2 most-underrated draft-eligible prospect behind Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. McFadden called the Wildcats running back “the best SEC player whose name you don’t know”.
“At 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds, C-Rod’s got sneaky quickness and speed,” McFadden said.
Another running back, Alabama’s Brian Robinson Jr., came in at No. 9. McFadden highlighted the performance of the redshirt senior during the College Football Playoff National Championship as a sign of things to come this season.
“It feels like Robinson has been in Tuscaloosa forever, so you know he’s ready to be the featured guy after flashing in spurts,” he said.
Finally, at No. 11 on the list was Georgia’s Jamaree Salyer, who McFadden was a little hesitant to name to the “most underrated” list since the offensive lineman was considered a first-team All-American by several publications.
“He’s played tackle and guard in his career, so there’s plenty to like when you consider his versatility, wide base and good lateral movement,” McFadden said of the senior.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
