2012 NFL Draft Projections: Dre Kirkpatrick and More Late First-Round Steals

Finding value late in the first round is a great way for competitive franchises to beef their rosters up even more. Players like Hakeem Nicks and Devin McCourty were both found towards the end of the first round and are now important contributors on Super Bowl-bound teams.

Let’s take a look at a few players who have a lot of promise and will make an impact on good teams when they get picked late.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Crimson Tide corner was a consensus top-10 and possibly top-five pick before he was arrested for marijuana possession.

This certainly means that some teams will pass over on him, opting for a player without “character issues."

If Kirkpatrick does fall because of his arrest, the franchise that gives him a chance will be rewarded with an athletic, rangy player who has a ton of upside and can guard any receiver with his speed and size.

Scouts are comparing him to Antonio Cromartie and it would be hard to find a franchise that could not use someone with Kirkpatrick’s game-changing abilities.

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

This Scarlet Knight is looking like a steal for one of the pass-happy teams that will get a chance to select him in the latter portions of day one in the draft.

He is 6’2”, 215 pounds and has all the ability in the world to make an immediate impact with a team that airs it out like the Giants, Patriots, Packers or Texans.

Sanu isn’t as fast as Kendall Wright or big as Alshon Jeffery, but his production in college (115 receptions for 1206 yards and 7 TDs in 2011) can't be denied.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins may be the most intriguing prospect in the draft. He’s got the skill to be a top pick, but was dismissed from the Florida Gators for three drug arrests during his short career there.

The troubled young man was an All-SEC player as a junior and is easily one of the more athletic players in this class.

Is that talent worth risking a first-round pick on? Absolutely.

If a team feels they have a strong locker room and a veteran coach who can keep Jenkins in line, they will find it hard not to draft one of the most talented players available.