Which 2015 NFL Draft prospects are undervalued and, thus, will be drafted a bit later than they should be? NFL Media analysts made their picks on NFL Network's "Path to the Draft" Friday. Here's a look at the players they mentioned.
WR Dres Anderson, Utah
The skinny: Anderson started the first seven games in 2014 before suffering a season-ending knee injury, and analyst Charles Davis said the injury means Anderson "has gone off the radar." Davis touts his ability to get deep and says he runs well and has good hands. There's also the bloodlines factor: Dres (6-foot-1, 187 pounds) is the son of former NFL wide receiver Willie "Flipper" Anderson. Dres Anderson had a strong junior season in 2013, with 53 receptions for 1,002 yards (18.9 yards per catch) and seven TDs.
WR Justin Hardy, East Carolina
The skinny: Hardy (5-10, 192) lacks size and top-end speed, but he is the leading receiver in FBS history (387 receptions). "He runs the route you want run," Davis said, and he also said Hardy's status as a former walk-on means he "will play with that perpetual chip on his shoulder." Davis said Hardy will be "underdrafted," but will "overdeliver."
WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
The skinny: Analyst Daniel Jeremiah said it's easy to spot Lockett on tape: "He's the guy who's always open." This draft has a number of top-level receivers, Jeremiah said, which will cause Lockett to slide a bit; Jeremiah thinks he will be available in the second round. He would be good value there: "He's open on every single play," Jeremiah said.
QB Sean Mannion, Oregon State
The skinny: Analyst Curtis Conway said Mannion's background in a pro-style attack is a big selling point in a draft filled with quarterbacks coming from spread offenses. "He'll come in ahead of the game," said Conway, who also is impressed with Mannion's size (6-6, 229). Mannion had a huge junior season (4,662 yards, 37 TDs, 66.3 completion percentage), but struggled a bit as a senior (3,164 yards, 15 TDs, 62.3 completion percentage).
CB Steven Nelson, Oregon State
The skinny: Jeremiah said the biggest knock on Nelson is his lack of size; he measured in at 5-10 and 187 at the NFL Scouting Combine. But while he doesn't have ideal size, Jeremiah said Nelson is tough, instinctive and has good ball skills. Nelson went to high school in Georgia and had to go to junior college to improve his grades. He started in both his seasons at Oregon State and finished his two-year Beavers career with eight interceptions.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
