NFL Draft: 7 overrated and underrated offensive players
By Keith Myers
Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jake Fisher (75) motivates the crowd against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Underrated: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
The reason why the draft media, and presumably NFL teams, don’t consider Fisher a first-round pick is because he isn’t a great straight ahead blocker in the running game. While that matters for some teams, it is entirely not an issue for others.
Fisher has incredible footwork and athleticism. He won’t get beat by speed rushers. He also has the ability to get wide and block in space in the running game. For a team that uses a zone blocking scheme, Fisher has the skills of Pro Bowl left tackle.
Overrated: Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke
For every reason why Fisher is underrated, Laken Tomlinson is overrated. He is a big and strong kid who can block the man in front of him, but he doesn’t move well. Pass rushers are going to be able to beat him with quickness, and Tomlinson will struggle to get to linebackers at the second level in the run game.
That’s a bad combination for a guy who is projected to go in the second round. He will need to go to the right team and system to be successful. Otherwise, he is likely to end up being a major disappointment in the NFL.
Next: The overrated quarterback