Kansas City Chiefs 2012 NFL Draft: 5 Sleeper Picks for the Middle Rounds

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With less than two weeks away from the 2012 NFL draft, it's time to take a closer look at some of the potential sleepers in this year's draft class.

With a plethora of talented prospects to choose from in this year's draft, the Kansas City Chiefs could use them on many different players, including a pair of NC State Wolfpack who have been flying under the radar.

Here are five sleeper picks for the Chiefs in the middle rounds of the draft.

Duke Ihenacho, Safety, San Jose State

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Back in 2010, the Chiefs struck gold with safety Kendrick Lewis in the fifth round of the draft.

This year, there is another safety with star potential who should be there in the middle rounds, named Duke Ihenacho.

Ihenacho is one of the most decorated defensive backs in San Jose State history, and has the talent to become an NFL starter some day.

His coverage skills and ability to stop the run makes him an intriguing prospect for KC on Day 3 of the draft.

Not only do I see him as a sleeper in this year's draft class, but he would give the Chiefs more depth in safety, since they will be very thin at that position heading into this season.

Ryan Broyles, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

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One year ago, it would have been hard to believe that former Oklahoma wideout Ryan Broyles would be a sleeper in the 2012 NFL draft.

Since then, Broyles has torn his ACL, which effectively cut his senior season short and plummeted his draft stock in the process.

However, the speedster was one of the most prolific wide receivers in college football history, as his 349 career receptions is an NCAA record.

With the Chiefs already showing interest in him by attending his pro day, it would be hard to believe that they would pass him up if he is still there in the fifth round.

Audie Cole, Inside Linebacker, NC State

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Audie Cole is the first of two former North Carolina players to make the cut for my sleeper list for the Chiefs.

Cole has all the skills to be a dominant inside linebacker in the NFL, as he is a very physical defender who excels in both run defense and dropping back in coverage.

He's more of a blue-collar-type player, who doesn't make a lot of flashy plays when he's on the field—which is likely why he is generally viewed as a mid-round pick in this year's draft.

If the Chiefs are able to land him, he could wind up being one of the biggest steals on the third day of the draft.

George Bryan, Tight End, NC State

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NC State's George Bryan is one of the most underrated tight ends in this year's draft class.

Bryan isn't going to blow anyone away with his speed, but he possesses a great set of hands and is an excellent blocker as well.

He also could be a solid red-zone threat at the next level, considering his 6'5", 265-pound frame at his TE position.

Even though the Chiefs already have two starting-caliber tight ends on the roster, it wouldn't hurt to draft the sleeper Bryan, especially if Tony Moeaki's injury problems continue this season.

Asa Jackson, Punt Returner/Cornerback, Cal Poly

Cal Poly's Asa Jackson is another player who deserves sleeper status in this draft.

Jackson is an exciting playmaker who was a threat in the defensive backfield and in the return game during his career for the Mustangs.

Despite his small stature, he is good enough in man coverage to potentially be an impact player at the next level.

The Chiefs should really consider drafting Jackson in the middle rounds, as he could add more talent to their secondary and also provide some competition for incumbent return man Javier Arenas.