As the NFL season makes the turn at the halfway point and comes down the stretch, which college players are very underrated in terms of their draft stock for the 2016 draft?
This is my list of current underrated 2016 NFL draft prospects.
Le’Raven Clark, OL Texas Tech
Clark plays for Kliff Kingsbury’s wide open passing attack in Lubbock. And to be a starting left tackle for a team that’s averaging 48 pass attempts a game(2nd in FBS1-A to Mike Leach’s Cougars) you have to be a quality pass blocker.
What jumps off the tape is how good Clark’s footwork is as a pass blocker. He establishes his position well and doesn’t get fooled by stunts or fake blitzers. He’s also powerful enough to handle bull rushes.
His body type reminds this author of Chris Samuels with his top heavy build and long arms. Samuels was a similar player at Alabama: great pass blocker but they both have the same problem.
What is a major concern is that Clark is night and day worse as a run blocker. Despite his talent as a pass blocker, he allows defenders to get under him and push him back into the plays.
This odd duality of Clark as a lineman shows up very clearly in this game tape of the Texas Tech vs Arkansas game. Arkansas has a well coached, aggressive defense so it’s a good litmus for Clark and the Red Raiders.
He needs to go somewhere that won’t ask him to start immediately and/or has a good teacher for a offensive line coach. If you can teach him to keep defenders from using leverage, then you have a potential starting left tackle.
Next: A Defensive Talent