Most underrated prospects in 2024 NFL Draft, including Michael Penix Jr.

By Andrew Buller-Russ

·Updated: April 11, 2024

We recently rolled out our most overrated prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, but now it’s time to focus on the most underrated prospects of the upcoming draft class. Of course, we won’t truly know whether an athlete is underrated or overrated until they hit the field, and even then, sometimes it takes years to determine their ability to play at an NFL level.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of athletes who have been disrespected by the media, whether it’s in NFL Draft prospect rankings or other various reports indicating a player’s draft stock. Let’s dive into the most underrated players in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Michael Penix Jr., quarterback, Washington Huskies

During the college football season, Michael Penix Jr. had all the attention of football scouts and analysts. The Washington QB was arguably the most productive quarterback in the nation. Yet, a poor showing in the CFP National Championship created a much different narrative for the left-handed QB. However, some coaches still feel Penix possibly has the most arm talent in the draft class. If placed in the right scenario, Penix could still become a high-level starter in the pros.

Spencer Rattler, quarterback, South Carolina

No, Spencer Rattler shouldn’t be in consideration to be a first-round QB, but for those teams who miss out on the top five signal-callers, the South Carolina gunslinger could be a wise fallback plan. Rattler has always been talented, but Oklahoma and South Carolina weren’t able to convert Rattler’s strong arm into consistent production. Yet, he does have good footwork, a decent pocket presence, and a respectable amount of mobility. Rattler may be the ideal project backup who develops into a starter in the near future.

Joe Milton, quarterback, Tennessee

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For teams that aren’t willing to invest a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on a quarterback, they’ll turn to Day 3, where Joe Milton is likely to hear his name called. Stuck behind Hendon Hooker, Milton only started one year at Tennessee, but it was just enough time to flash his cannon arm and excellent athleticism, making him a draftable prospect. Definitely a project, Milton has one of the strongest arms in the nation, but a lack of experience has led to questions about his processing speed. Yet, you can’t teach the physical gifts Milton possesses, and he’ll have plenty of suitors on draft day.

Trey Benson, running back, Florida State

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There isn’t a first-round running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Most point to Jonathan Brooks as the consensus top RB, but what about Trey Benson? The former Oregon and Florida State running back comes with the size to be an NFL starter at 6 feet, 215 pounds, and his 4.39 40 time suggests he has the breakaway speed to become a difference-maker out of the backfield. Benson was able to force a lot of missed tackles in college but was held back by a few injuries. Yet, if his patience and vision improve, there’s no reason why he can’t become a star.

Brenden Rice, wide receiver, USC

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It feels odd to suggest the son of Jerry Rice is underrated in any way, but he might be one of the most qualified players for this list. Somehow sneaking under the radar despite teaming up with Caleb Williams at USC, Rice was first overshadowed by Jordan Addison, but he returned for his senior season and had a career year with 644 yards and 11 TDs. What’s impressive about Rice is his borderline freakish size/speed combo at 6-foot-2 3/8 with a 4.5 40 time. A former track sprinter with excellent route-running ability, Rice could have a high floor in the pros.

Ben Sinnott, tight end, Kansas State

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After Brock Bowers, ranking the entire tight end draft class is up for debate. There really isn’t a clear-cut No. 2 tight end prospect in the class, it’s more about which ‘flavor’ teams are seeking. One player who sticks out is Ben Sinnott, who like Bowers, lines up all over the field. He’s quick, willing to block, and competitive in pass-catching situations. In the right offense, Sinnott can thrive early on.

Christian Haynes, guard, Connecticut

We saw the Carolina Panthers shell out over $150 million to two offensive guards in free agency, yet there isn’t a single guard expected to become a first-round pick. Christian Haynes may have the best chance to hear his name called by Roger Goodell on the first day of the draft. After starting all four seasons at right guard in college, Haynes was invited to the Senior Bowl where he flashed his agility and ability to pancake defenders on the move. Expect to see Haynes starting right away in the pros.

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

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It’s a deep pool of NFL Draft edge rusher prospects, but Chop Robinson is rarely the first name mentioned when discussing the top athletes at his position. Yet, he’s a freakish talent who clocked a ridiculous 4.48 40-yard dash after tallying 20 sacks across the past three seasons. Robinson is explosive off the line, and if he can prove effective as a pass rusher early on, an NFL team could be getting a Pro Bowl talent at the end of the first round, or possibly even on Day 2.

Nate Wiggins, cornerback, Clemson

Cornerbacks built like Nate Wiggins have superstar potential (6-foot-1 3/8″). Rarely do we see someone as big and fast as Wiggins who clocked a blistering 4.28 40-yard dash time. Yet, somehow the Clemson star isn’t mentioned as one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft class. Perhaps that’s a mistake, considering he allowed a phenomenal 43.9% completion rate in 2023. While he could bulk up a bit more, the team that drafts Wiggins could be getting a shutdown corner.

Tyler Nubin, safety, Minnesota

Under P.J. Fleck, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have sent a few players to the NFL every year except his second season on campus. Yet, usually most prospects aren’t taken until the third round or later. Tyler Nubin will change that, as the fifth player selected in the second round or higher since 2020 when Antoine Winfield Jr. started the trend. Nubin is considered one of, if not the best safety prospect in the draft class thanks to a versatile skill set showing he can cover, tackle, and blitz effectively. A high-IQ player with great ball skills, Nubin has the potential to be a star at the next level.