Thursday, April 19, 2012

2012 NFL Draft: The best steals in the middle to late rounds

This list is of those players that I like in the middle to late rounds of this upcoming NFL Draft. I feel that these guys can make a decent impact on an NFL team.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACKS
1. Brock Osweiler - Arizona State 6-7 242 Projected RD 3 The highest pick (rd. 3 ) on my list but he still projects out of the top 5 for QB's in the draft. Athletically, this kid is top notch. Great size, mobility and a basketball players agility. Can throw a strong deep ball but also has a quick release. The downside is his lack of experience (1 year starting in college) and a few mechanical flaws but all of this can be worked out. (R2 Den)

2a. Russell Wilson - Wisconsin 5-11 204 Projected RD. 4 Started at NC State and dominated, transferred to Wisconsin and dominated. Russell can make every throw, is one of the smartest QB's out there, rarely makes mistakes and does nothing but win. Other than his size, there is nothing bad you can say about him. Also a standout baseball player that had been drafted by the Rockies. Had an impressive 31TDs and only 3 picks in 2011! (R3 Sea)

2b. Nick Foles - Arizona 6-5 243 Projected RD 6 Overall athleticism, he falls somewhere around average. He has size and can toss a decent deep ball. Not quick but has effective footwork. Needs coaching. What I really like about him is that he is poised, confident and smart. Nick has qualities that just can't be taught. Had over 4,000 passing yards in 2011. (R3 Phi)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Ronnie Hillman - San Diego State 5-9 200 Projected RD 4 He is projected somewhere out of the top ten RB's in the draft. I typically would be leery of a Sophomore, but he has the "it" factor and he will be turning 21 this year. Was dominating in his first two seasons at SDSU. Ronnie can seemingly do it all. He's fast outside but surprisingly tough in the middle. Blocks well, catches the ball well and has a knack for getting in the endzone. (R3 Den)

2.Chris Rainey - Florida 5-8 180 Projected RD 4 I see him as a Darren Sproles type of back. You never know though, he may surprise everybody and be an effective starter. He's got blazing speed, uncanny elusiveness and great hands. Is a special teams demon. Has trouble blocking on offense, maybe that can be worked out at the next level. (R5 Pit)

FULLBACKS
1. Emil Igwenagu - UMass 6-1 248 Projected RD 6 Emil is a fantastic athlete. Runs well, jumps well and plays a physical brand of football. He's played LB, FB, TE and H-back. Great hands and can also block extremely well. Whatever team grabs him will not be disappointed. (FA Phi)

2. Drake Dunsmore - Northwestern 6-2 241 Projected RD 7 Just an all around great athlete. More of a TE/h-back than a true FB. But regardless, this guy is a powerful blocker that has one of the best set of hands in the draft. Smart player, runs good routes and gets open. (R7 TB)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Marvin Jones - California 6-2 199 Projected RD 4 I really think that Marvin Jones will be a real surprise in the NFL. His numbers at Cal are very good, but not earth shattering. He's a natural athlete that runs in the 4.4's and has surprising strength (put up 225lb 22x at the combine). Not afraid to fight with corners, can jump well for the ball and has excellent concentration. (R5 Cin)

1. Devon Wylie - Fresno State 5-9 187 Projected RD 6 His only real limitation is his size. Devon is a fast, tough and agile receiver. Can also be a dangerous punt returner. All this kid does is work his butt off, this has opened eyes and may have risen his draft stock. Could even go earlier. (R4 KC)

1. Junior Hemingway - Michigan 6-1 225 Projected RD 5 Stats don't reflect this kids tremendous ability. Runs in the 4.5's but has shown some deep threat ability at Michigan. At 225 pounds Junior led all receivers in the 3-Cone and Shuttle at the NFL combine. He also put up 225lbs 21 times. Incredibly athletic, agile and skilled; he can be a solid NFL receiver. (R7 KC)

2. Chris Owusu - Stanford 6-0 196 Projected RD 7 Looked great at the combine. Athletically, he fairs well across the board. Blazing sub-4.4 speed, surprising strength, tremendous leaping ability and superb agility. He's simply an athlete. Has not grabbed a ton of passes at Stanford but holds his own and gets open. In the past he's shown a knack for returning kicks (3TDs in 2010). Injury problems are the biggest concern. (FA SF)

2. Keshawn Martin - Michigan State 6-0 188 Projected FA Has just about everything you want athletically. Jumps extremely well, runs about a 4.45, solid agility and very good hands. Is an eye opener as a returnman but his receiving ability should not be overlooked. Had 66 catches in 2011. Versatile kid that has scored via pass, run, catch, KR and PR. (R4 Hou)

2a. Kashif Moore - UConn 5-9 190 Projected FA Kashif is an athletic freak. At 5-9 he out-jumped every other receiver to post a 43.5" VJ. Runs in the low 4.4's, has been part of a championship track team, shows excellent agility and explosiveness. (FA Cin)

2b. Deonte Thompson - Florida 6-0 198 Projected FA It's hard to ignore the guy that ran a 4.32/40 at the NFL Combine. Despite a slow senior year, Deonte does have the ability to make catches. His size and speed is a good mix and he's a hard worker with confidence in his abilities. (FA Bal)

TIGHT ENDS
1. Michael Egnew - Missouri 6-5 252 Projected RD 4 Although he's ranked the number 5 TE, I feel that he is underrated. If he could improve his strength and blocking skills then he would be elite. Not the fastest, but has quickness and tremendous agility. Is a gifted athlete that can really jump for a man of his size. His hands are just as good as the top TE's in the class. (R3 Mia)

2. James Hanna - Oklahoma 6-4 252 Projected RD 6 Did not catch a ton of passes at Oklahoma, but when he did they were big. Blocks well and has size. His showing at the Combine was remarkable, although it did help his stock it still wasn't enough for him to crack the top ten TE's. He blew the competition away in the cone and shuttle, was first in the VJ, 3rd in the Broad Jump, 4th in the Bench and ran an awesome 4.49/40. (R6 Dal)

CENTER
1. David Molk - Michigan 6-1 298 Projected RD 6 Undersized, but tough as nails and incredibly strong. Put up 225lbs an impressive 41x at the combine. Started all four years. David is very smart, plays his heart out and is fearless. Some injury concerns. (R7 SD)

2. Moe Petrus - UConn 6-2 295 Projected FA Lacks the elite size. Moe has great athleticism, moves well and is quick. He is very experienced and has been a top college run blocker. (FA TB)

GUARD
1. Ryan Miller - Colorado 6-7 321 Projected RD 6 Strong, athletic and has good size. Ryan is versatile and can play OG or OT, the problem is figuring out where to put him at the next level. Seemingly does everything well. (R5 Cle)

1. Johnnie Troutman - Penn State 6-4 325 Projected FA Uses brute strength to out muscle opponents. A good leader on the line, well-sized. Has had some character issues but seems to be past it. (R5 SD)

2. Ronald Leary - Memphis 6-3 315 Projected RD 7 Ron is an experienced and durable OL. Has also played OT. Shows good leadership ability on the line. He has good upper body strength and strong legs. Not terribly big. (FA Dal)

2. Adam Gettis - Iowa 6-2 295 Projected RD 7 On the small side but he plays hard on every down. Experienced and very athletic. Could improve his strength, but has good technique and competitive nature. (R5 Was)

TACKLE
1. Tom Compton - South Dakota 6-5 315 Projected RD 5 Good size, strength and athleticism. Looked good in every category at the Combine, although he could have lifted more. Had a dominating career in the FCS. With some pro coaching Tom could be a real keeper. (R6 Was)

1. Nate Potter - Boise State 6-6 305 Projected RD 6 Tall lineman with quick feet and solid technique. A little rough around the edges and needs some coaching. Could improve his strength, but his athleticism is very impressive. (R7 Ari)

2. Andrew Datko - Florida State  6-6 315 Projected RD 6 A real standout on the FSU line. Has been a tremendous worker, very physical and surprisingly nimble for his size. Could have been top 10 if not for a big shoulder injury suffered in 2011. Should not be forgotten about. (R7 GB)

2. John Cullen - Utah 6-5 300 Projected FA Very fluid and quick, has superb footwork and plays with an intense physical nature. This kid has the fire and attitude to be a force on an NFL line. A bit raw and could get bigger. (FA NYJ)

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