The NFL Draft is always an interesting endeavor, especially for an unfortunate group of underclassmen.

Despite having the option to return for another season, some players opt to enter the draft before exhausting their college eligibility. Unfortunately, not all underclassmen wind up getting drafted which was the case this weekend for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Here are the 5 underclassmen from the SEC who did not get selected:

  • Slade Bolden, WR, Alabama (Redshirt junior)
  • Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky (Redshirt junior)
  • Jerrion Ealy, RB, Ole Miss
  • Makai Polk, WR, Mississippi State
  • Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M

The NFL Draft is always an interesting endeavor where college production does not guarantee anything. That is seen in the accomplishments of the above group.

In particular, Ealy finished his career at Ole Miss with over 2,200 yards rushing and 24 offensive TDs in 3 seasons. Wydermyer also thrived as a tight end with the Aggies and finished with 1,468 receiving yards and 16 TDs over 3 seasons.

Bolden’s decision is also notable after finishing 4th on Alabama’s roster with 408 receiving yards on 42 catches during the 2021 season. After the departures of Jameson Williams and John Metchie, Bolden had a chance to be an integral piece for Alabama again in 2022.

Now, it will be interesting to see which players land an undrafted free agent deal to begin their NFL careers.