Top 5 underrated 2023 NFL Draft prospects ft. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

With the majority of big free-agent signings now complete, the eyes of NFL fans are turning towards the NFL draft.

Everyone is familiar with potential first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft: players that captivate the public and attract throngs of NFL coaches and scouts to their pro-day exercises. Each season, there are underestimated NFL draft talents who, while probably not the best in their positions in college football, will end up being one of the most successful selections imaginable. This is common knowledge. Who those players will be this year is the subject of debate.

Five underrated 2023 NFL Draft prospects

1. RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Texas' Bijan Robinson is probably the best running back in this group of players, although there may not be much of a difference between him and Jahmyr Gibbs. In his final season with the squad, Gibbs was outstanding for Alabama, ranking first among his teammates in rushing yards (926) and receptions (44). He is a superb receiver who is sixth in the country among running backs, with an average of 1.82 yards per route run.

Gibbs is the kind of player every team wants to incorporate, with a legitimate 4.3-second speed. Although he may not be as highly regarded as Robinson, do not be shocked if he has a more significant impact right away, particularly in the receiving department.

2. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was widely thought to be the best receiver in the draft pool before the previous college football campaign started. Everyone believed that the way he performed in the Rose Bowl would launch him into prominence since it was a remarkable showing.

However, in the 2022 season, everything went awry for him. Smith-Njigba only participated in three games. In two of those games, he only managed to catch three passes for 10 receiving yards. His 2022 season was hampered by a persistent hamstring injury, which ultimately prevented him from competing in the CFP Semifinal. Luckily, the pre-draft task has brought his potential to everyone's attention.

In the correct offense, Smith-Njigba can serve as the primary target.

3. QB Clayton Tune, Houston

There is little focus paid to the remaining passers in the class because of the buzz and talk surrounding the quarterbacks at the top of the draft class. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud will compete for the top overall pick, while Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are likely to be selected in the first round as well. Clayton Tune is a fascinating prospect with the talent to maybe start in the NFL.

This guy has a strong profile: he offers everything required to develop into a great backup while also providing the means to challenge for a starting position eventually. While not possessing a top-tier arm, Tune can rely on strong-arm power, accurate ball distribution and good movement, which enables him to produce plays out of routine. He has demonstrated his capacity to put together crucial throws when necessary, which is a valuable skill to offer the offense greater flexibility.

4. CB Cam Smith, South Carolina

There are many elite cornerback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class, including Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, and Joey Porter Jr. There is a chance that five cornerbacks may be chosen in the first round, with most of them receiving the buzz they deserve. However, Cam Smith from South Carolina might be the group's most underappreciated.

Smith's potential is lower than the other three players mentioned earlier, but he will almost certainly start in the NFL. His hands and body are in touch enough for him to make interceptions close to the line of scrimmage.

Smith is a CB with a strong mind who will play with all of his might and is eager to go anywhere with an opponent's wideout.

5. C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan

Although there are undoubtedly superior alternatives available than Olusegun Oluwatimi, selecting him later in the draft may offer a decent bargain for an organization in need of a center.

Since Oluwatimi appears to be a high-upside center with the ability to be an excellent run blocker in the NFL, it is shocking to see him expected by many analysts to slide deep in the draft. If everything works out for Oluwatimi, he could ultimately be the best center in this draft group.

Oluwatimi only allowed nine total pressures and zero sacks on 410 pass-blocking snaps during the previous campaign.