10 underrated prospects from SEC to watch out for in 2024 NFL draft ft. Zakhari Franklin

The 2024 NFL draft has been one of the top draft classes in a long time and the Southeastern Conference has a lot of talent expected to hear their names. There are a lot of underrated prospects that are not being talked about as highly as they should be. Let's take a dive into 10 players who are being a tad underrated as the draft marches closer.

Top Underrated SEC Prospects in the 2024 NFL draft

#10: LB Trevin Wallace (Kentucky)

Trevin Wallace has recorded 10 total sacks and three interceptions in his three-year collegiate career. He has the physical gifts to continue doing well and will be a rotational player as a rookie. However, he could develop into a strong solid linebacker in his career.

#9: CB Decamerion Richardson (Mississippi State)

Having an outstanding cornerback is critical for success, and Decamerion Richardson currently holds the 26th spot among college football cornerbacks, with an impressive 86.4 Pro Football Focus grade. Being in better spots will help him and if he is in the correct scheme, Richardson should be able to really showcase how underrated he is right now.

#8: S Tykee Smith (Georgia)

Tykee Smith has been a strong member of the secondary and is a significant player for the elite Georgia Bulldogs defense. He had a small issue with 10 missed tackles last season but he is incredible in coverage, which is what he is going to be asked for. He had a 50.0 passer rating throughout last season and could cover at a solid level in the NFL.

#7: WR Zakhari Franklin (Ole Miss)

Zakhari Franklin dealt with injuries last season and was limited to four games with the Ole Miss Rebels. Maybe because he was not on the field and played four seasons with the UTSA Roadrunners before transferring. He was a menace out wide and could be a huge addition to a wide receiver room but people are not talking about him.

#6: RB Cody Schrader (Missouri)

Running back Cody Schrader has been a workhorse for the Missouri Tigers and proved to be a dominant player. He had 276 rushing attempts for 1,627 yards (5.9 yards per carry) with 14 rushing touchdowns as well as 22 catches for 191 yards (8.7 yards per reception). He's a smaller back at 5-foot-9 but has incredible elusiveness and runs as a physical back. Sitting in the fourth or fifth round, he is definitely being a tad underrated.

#5: WR Jermaine Burton (Alabama)

At six feet and 194 pounds, wide receiver Jermaine Burton is not getting that same respect. While it could be that the wide receiver depth in the draft is deep, Burton is getting put on the back burner. His elite quickness could make him a massive threat in the slot position.

#4: QB Joe Milton III (Tennessee)

The talk of the quarterbacks does not seem to include Joe Milton III, who had a good season last year. With a 20:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 70.4 QBR, he has shown the ability to step up. Milton is going to be a possible starting quarterback and should be rated higher than people have him.

#3: RB Ray Davis (Kentucky)

He finished last season with 199 carries for 1,129 yards (5.7 yards per attempt) with 14 rushing touchdowns as well as 33 catches for 323 yards (9.8 yards per reception) with seven touchdown catches. Davis is involved in both the passing and running game and should have him be able to be a lead running back for a team immediately.

#2: DL Maason Smith (LSU)

Maason Smith is going to be underrated as he has not had incredible production from the defensive tackle position. He is a physically incredible prospect at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, so he should be able to battle in the trenches and do well if he is able to stay healthy.

#1: K Will Reichard (Alabama)

Getting an elite kicker is the difference between a good and a great team and Alabama's Will Reichard is the most underrated SEC player. He broke the record for the NCAA all-time leading scorer in college football and could be a huge addition to whatever team takes him. Whatever team selects him will get incredibly better as a result.