2012 NFL Draft: 5 Players Flying Under the Radar

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Appalachian State Wide Receiver Brian Quick

The NFL draft has the ability to mold a team for the next couple years. Big time names are drafted in the first round, but championships are won later in the draft.

How often do see rookies who same to come out of nowhere to make big plays for a team every year in the NFL?

These five guys are some of the under the radar players who will make an impact at the next level.

San Diego St. Quarterback Ryan Lindley

San Diego Quarterback Ryan Lindley
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Right now it's all about Luck and RGIII. However, there are other quality quarterbacks in the draft. Ryan Lindley is one of them.

At 6'4" and 220lbs, he has the size to play at the next level. He threw for over 12,000 yards and 87 touchdowns during his four-year career. He's got a big arm, and if he can work on his accuracy, he can have a very solid NFL career.

Appalachian St. Wide Receiver Brian Quick

There is a strong possibility four wide receivers will go in the first round this year. Even still, there is quality talent to be had in the late rounds.

Brian Quick is so under-the-radar to most people he might as well be invisible. How does a 6'4", 222-lb frame sound? He averaged 17.6 yards per reception last season showing great breakaway ability.

He doesn't have the big name like Blackmon or Floyd, but his talent and potential is right there with them.

North Carolina St. Linebacker Terrell Manning

North Carolina St. Terrell Manning
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The guy is a tackling machine. He's also a playmaking machine. Over the last two years he had over 150 tackles, 10 sacks, four interceptions and 25 tackles for a loss. Why isn't this guy a first-round prospect?

For two reasons. First, he plays for North Carolina State, which is not a defensive powerhouse. Second, he is listed at 6'3", 224lbs.

The height is good, but he is a little lean for teams to draft him high. If he adds 15 pounds of muscle to go with his relentless motor, he can be a very effective player at the next level.

Furman Cornerback Ryan Steed

He was a star basketball player coming out of high school. It is largely due to the fact that he wasn't recruited highly out of high school. Furman was among the few small schools to give him a chance in football, and it paid off greatly.

His 180 tackles, 38 passes defended and 14 interceptions over his collegiate career is pretty impressive. He proved this year he belongs with the big boys by impressing scouts at the Senior Bowl. Steed has a strong future as an NFL starter for years to come.

Montana Cornerback Trumaine Johnson

He's big and physical. At 6'2" 204lbs, he has the ability to match up with some of the bigger and better wide receivers in the NFL. He has built up a reputation as a big time playmaker who is not afraid to stick his nose in on defense and make a tackle. NFL teams love that.

They will also love his 22.2 yards per kickoff return. He has starter written all over him in the NFL.

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