2012 NFL Draft Projections: Late-Round Players Sure to Shine in the NFL

While most of the focus during the lead up to the 2012 NFL draft will be on star players like Andrew Luck, Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson, it's often the late-round selections that provide teams with the best bang for their buck.

Here are three players to watch that will be drafted late in April's draft.

Terrance Ganaway

Ganaway had a breakout season in Baylor's high-octane offense. The senior rushed for more than 1,500 yards and found paydirt 22 times. He was able to average more than six yards per carry despite toting the rock 250 times during the season.

He's a physical back at 6'4'', 240 lbs. That should help Ganaway survive the wear and tear involved with playing at the next level. He probably won't be any every-down back right away, but he's a hard worker and could eventually earn a spot in the starting lineup of his new team.

B.J. Cunningham

After back-to-back middling seasons at Michigan State, Cunningham took his game to the next level during his senior campaign. He caught 79 passes for more than 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns to help the Spartans come within one win of a BCS bowl game.

He doesn't have elite speed, which is the main reason he'll be available in the later rounds, but his size should make him a solid weapon anyway. With so many teams starting to use more spread looks he shouldn't have much trouble getting immediate playing time, which should increase with time.

D'Anton Lynn

Lynn didn't get much respect despite playing for Penn State's fifth-ranked defense. He's another player with good size for his position and could surprise some people right out of the gate. At the very least he'll be able to play in dime packages to ease him into duty.

The most likely reason that he's been overlooked is his lack of big plays. He intercepted just four passes over the past two seasons, but that has just as much to do with teams choosing not to throw his way as anything else. His playmaking numbers should improve when he's tested more often in the NFL.