2012 NFL Draft: Predicting 5 Surprise First-Round Picks

Every year at least one name gets called in the first round that catches everyone unaware. We are getting some good clues about who the NFL might value higher than the draft media has in their coverage. Which players are the most likely surprise first-round picks?

Amini Silatolu, OL, Midwestern State

Silatolu's tape is just as dominant as you would expect from a Division II player who could go in the first round. He might not stay at his collegiate position of left tackle, but his terrific natural athleticism and mean streak in a  6'4" 311-pound frame could get help this small school player hit it big in the draft.

Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Jones doesn't make the wow plays as a pass-rusher that you expect from a first-round defensive end, but his length, strength and athleticism make him a good fit in both three and four-man fronts, which is a massive added value in a league trending towards hybrid defenses.

The New England Patriots led that charge, so he could be one of their targets at the end of the first round.

Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

Many people are talking about the new class of NFL tight ends that are hard to account for in the passing game, but few are talking about how defenses will combat those types of player. David is a feisty linebacker who makes plays all over the field, but his natural range and coverage ability to combat players like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski is the main attribute that could get him in the first round.

Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise State

McClellin doesn't make flashy speed rush sack artist plays, he just plays with terrific strength, energy, quickness, tenacity and discipline. Opposite a top-end pass-rusher like Clay Matthews, McClellin could be more than productive enough to merit the use of the Packers first-round pick.

Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi

All of the offensive tackles mentioned in the first-round mix are projected to play in the coveted left tackle spot, but what about one of the best right tackles in the draft? Massie was the best thing about a poor Ole Miss offense and put more defenders on the ground than any other SEC offensive lineman. The Giants, Steelers or 49ers could give him a look in the first.

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