Defensive line

Overrated: Gabe Watson, Michigan
It must be an extremely weak year at defensive tackle if Watson ranks among the top three. At 6-3, 340, there's no question he's an impressive specimen, and there were certainly times during his Michigan career where he was a dominating factor. But he also drove Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr bonkers with his inconsistency and failure to play up to his potential. In fact, Carr pulled him from the starting lineup for four games last season, a pretty drastic measure considering he was regarded as the Wolverines' best defensive player.

Underrated: Jesse Mahelona, Tennessee
The junior college transfer and Hawaii native was dominant in his first season in Knoxville, in which he had an SEC-leading 18.5 sacks. And though his  production dropped last year (eight sacks), that doesn't mean he wasn't still a disruptive force. Tennessee coaches consider him in the same class as such former Vols standouts as John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth. He's a big-play guy who gets his body extremely low to the ground, allowing him to streak into the backfield and drag down opposing ballcarriers or quarterbacks. I'm genuinely surprised he's so lowly regarded.

Linebacker

Overrated: Ernie Sims, Florida State
Call me crazy, but I never bought into the Ernie Sims hype machine. Sure, he's a phenomenal athlete who explodes off the snap and from time to time could force a fumble or throw a running back for a loss. But there were plenty of other times where he was caught out of position, over-pursued a runner or flat out free-styled too much. I do think he will be a significant player in the NFL, perhaps eventually bordering on greatness, but I don't think he's the same kind of can't miss no-brainer as A.J. Hawk, or all that much better than his much-less heralded teammate, A.J. Nicholson.

Underrated: Spencer Havner, UCLA
By all accounts, Havner is considered a second-day guy, which is odd. All he does is make tackles. Lots of them. All over the field. He had 96 as a freshman, 82 as a sophomore, 125 as a junior and 99 as a senior. Last year he also added 15 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. I realize he's more instinctual than athletic, and that he was often the lone bright spot on a really bad defense, but it's hard to believe scouts aren't willing to put more stock in four years of solid, consistent production.

Defensive back

Overrated: Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
This one isn't so much for his play on the field (though I do think the perception of Williams as an Antrel Rolle-type lockdown guy was a bit skewed; he does blow coverage from time to time). Multiple sources familiar with Williams have told me he has some major character issues. His brash cockiness was no secret in Blacksburg, where head coach Frank Beamer barred him from speaking to the media during the 2004 season. Whichever team drafts him will be investing several million dollars in a potential powder keg.

Underrated: Will Blackmon, Boston College
Geez, you move to receiver for a year and they forget all about you. Blackmon is buried far down most cornerbacks lists, which is puzzling, considering a year ago this time he was widely regarded as one of the top college corners in the country. He's a smooth, fast (4.47 in the 40) playmaker who had three interceptions in both his sophomore and junior seasons before moving to receiver last year and catching 51 passes for 763 yards. If nothing else, Blackmon would make a great return specialist for someone, but based on current projections he might not even get drafted.