2012 NFL Draft: Predicting the Biggest Late-Round Steals

The earlier rounds of the NFL draft garner more attention, but it is often the later rounds that separate teams from the pack.

Yes, the New York Giants have Eli Manning, the former No. 1 overall pick, but they also have Victor Cruz, an undrafted free agent.

Where, exactly, would the New England Patriots be without Tom Brady, a former sixth-round pick?

Though many superstars were found in the first round, many were also acquired late in the draft. Only the best NFL scouting staffs find stars several rounds deep, but doing so makes all the difference.

Ask yourself, would you rather have Mario Williams with the No. 1 pick or Jared Allen with a fourth-round pick?

Miles Burris, LB, San Diego State

For whatever reason, the NFL draft community has neglected Miles Burris.

The 6'3", 235-pounder recorded eight sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2011. Those type of numbers should not be ignored.

Burris has some flaws and is probably a strongside linebacker in the NFL, but he offers huge playmaking ability. Burris's potential as a blitzer off the edge is scary.

Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota

An above-average athlete at the left tackle position, the 6'6", 314-pound Coyote is extremely raw. Compton uses his size and quick feet to his advantage in the pass game but needs to work on his technique.

However, few players possess Compton's athletic ability, and he has the ability to develop into an solid right tackle. While he's not an early-round pick, Compton has great potential for a late-round selection.

Jeff Allen, OL, Illinois

At the moment, Jeff Allen is a man without a position. The Illinois lineman is a good athlete, but he probably isn't quick enough to stick at left tackle in the NFL. The flip side is that he isn't powerful enough to play right tackle.

Fortunately, the guard position exists. At 6'5", 315 pounds, Allen has perfect size for playing on the interior. His athleticism would be better utilized at guard, and he is powerful enough to handle most defensive tackles.

Winston Guy, S, Kentucky

Winston Guy is somewhat limited by his athleticism, but he's an excellent in-the-box safety. The 6'1", 216-pounder is more than big enough to play physically at the line of scrimmage, and he is an excellent tackler.

Though Guy isn't great in coverage he isn't awful, either. The Kentucky safety possesses decent range and can hang with some tight ends. It's certainly not his strong suit, however.

Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

At 5'9", 174 pounds, Chris Rainey is small like Darren Sproles and plays just like the New Orleans Saints star. Rainey is incredibly fast and excels as a receiver out of the backfield. 

Rainey possesses rare explosiveness, and he can develop into a star return man. Some people even think the versatile Rainey could play wide receiver, though he is probably better off staying at running back.

Emil Igwenagu, TE, Massachusetts

A 6'1", 245-pound tight end, Emil Igwenagu is probably an H-back in the NFL. The UMass star is a solid blocker with consistent catching ability, but he lacks the athletic ability to really dominate.

Igwenagu might even end up at fullback because of his size and blocking ability. However, his biggest asset will be his hands, regardless of what position he ends up playing. 

Igwenagu will not be Dallas Clark or Aaron Hernandez in the NFL, but he can be a solid contributor. 

Rodney Stewart, RB, Colorado

At just 5'6", 175 pounds, Stewart obviously isn't an every-down back. The Colorado running back projects as a third-down back with a specific offensive role.

Stewart isn't overly fast, but he is deadly quick and has a great eye for cutback lanes. It is incredibly difficult to tackle the young runner in the open field, and he has great burst as well.

Stewart isn't a great receiver, but he has decent hands and can make plays out of the backfield. His lack of size will cause him to be a late-round pick, but he could be very successful on the right team.

Jaye Howard, DT, Florida

In many ways, Jaye Howard is one of the most dynamic defensive tackles in this draft. Howard is an explosive athlete with the burst to penetrate the backfield and make plays. 

At this point, Howard's biggest flaw is his lack of strength. The Florida product weighs just 303 pounds and could stand to add some bulk. If he doesn't gain weight, Howard will probably be limited to a rotational role in the NFL.

If he does, however, he could develop into something special.

B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga

At 6'3", 234 pounds, B.J. Coleman possesses terrific size and all the physical ability to start in the NFL. However, Coleman has a lot to work on before he is able to make a positive impact at the next level.

Coleman's footwork and consistency are both huge issues. The biggest concern, though, is Coleman's shaky pocket presence. The former Tennessee quarterback seems oblivious to pressure and often finds himself being lit up by pass-rushers.

Eric Page, WR, Toledo

Unlike many small wide receivers, Eric Page is not a burner. He is, however, incredibly quick and capable of taking a short pass the distance. At Toledo, Page returned kicks and could immediately contribute on special teams in the NFL.

Weighing only 180 pounds, Page doesn't have the size of a typical starting wide receiver, but he has the ability to become one anyway. Page does need to improve at catching the ball with his hands, though.