NFL Draft 2014: Bold Predictions for 1st-Round Sleeper Prospects

As is the case each year, a few shocking names will slip into the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, much to the surprise of everyone outside of the war room itself that phones the pick in to the league.

Last year, a few names such as EJ Manuel and Justin Pugh were able to sneak into the opening round, but 2014 figures to have even more surprises considering it is often hailed by experts as the deepest draft in recent memory.

The surprises happen for various reasons, but mostly because teams do a quality job of hiding which prospects they like the most. Based on stock and team need, there are a few names who stick out like sore thumbs as far as sleeper first-round picks go.

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

With names like Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert and even Jason Verrett hogging the spotlight, there is only so much room for corners in the first round. Virginia Tech's Kyle Fuller has been on the outside looking in for quite some time.

Until now.

Fuller impressed at the combine and has plenty of experts raving now that they have had a chance to go back and dive into his film. This includes ESPN's Kevin Weidl:

As well as CBS Sports' Dane Brugler:

It's not too little, too late for Fuller's stock, but there is still an outside chance Fuller does not come off the board in the first 32 picks. The gurus at CBS Sports still suggest his stock is in the first-to-second-round range.

Cincinnati will ensure Fuller's first-round status and make him the third corner selected. The Bengals' first three corners on the depth chart are all over the age of 30 and major injury risks, while third-year corner Dre Kirkpatrick remains unproven.

Fuller is great insurance as a player who can make quality starts right away should he be called upon.

Predicted Landing Spot: Cincinnati, No. 24 Overall

Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

When one thinks of offensive tackle in the 2014 draft class, the big names like Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews and Taylor Lewan come up. 

Not many are aware of the high ceiling Virginia's Morgan Moses brings to the pro game.

Moses' stock has been on a steady climb since the season ended, although a pulled hamstring after a 40-yard dash at his pro day put a damper on things. That said, Moses remains upbeat thanks to a number of private workouts on tap, according to Andrew Ramspacher of Cavalier Insider:

"

It’s disappointing, but I got nine or 10 private workouts already set up. I’ve had the opportunity to be at the Combine and do the same thing. So teams know what I can do. They know I can move. I’m making improvements. So it’s a little sad not to be able to go out there and show the Moses 2.0, but at the same time, God always has his reasons.

"

When healthy, Moses has a natural quickness that is hard to match, which is impressive considering his size at 6'6" and 314 pounds. That said, the aforementioned CBS Sports rankings only peg Moses as a second-rounder.

But his athleticism will allow him to start right away, which is why Arizona will grab him at No. 20 overall. The Cardinals just brought on for Oakland Raider tackle Jared Veldheer via free agency, but need another starter to help keep Carson Palmer healthy.

Moses is the guy and the third or fourth tackle off the board.

Predicted Landing Spot: Arizona, No. 20 Overall

Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

It's the same for Notre Dame tight end Troy Niklas, who pales in comparison to guys like Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro in the name-recognition department.

Standing at 6'6" and 270 pounds, name should mean little at this point. Certain schools have an affinity for pumping out quality pro prospects at certain positions, and Notre Dame just so happens to be a hotbed for tight ends thanks to players like Tyler Eifert and Kyle Rudolph in recent years.

Niklas is next in line, as he excels in run blocking but is versatile enough to line up in different spots and create mismatches all over the field. Like Moses, he only ranks as a second-rounder at CBS Sports.

Still, Niklas sure sounds like a tight end the New England Patriots would use, right? With Rob Gronkowski consistently hurt over the past few seasons, Niklas provides a No. 1 option at the position at best, and at worst a No. 2 so that Tom Brady can once again toy around with two-tight end sets to his heart's desire.

Predicted Landing Spot: New England, No. 29 Overall