2012 NFL Draft Projections: Underrated Studs Who Will Be Draft-Day Steals

The NFL draft is an inexact science, with many elite players falling out of the first round. This year's class may not end up being the best ever, but there are overlooked studs who will make an impact at the next level. 

Everyone's version of underrated is different, so what one person considers a steal another may find to be the right time for a player to be taken. 

No matter what you think, there are some players not getting the publicity they deserve and will wind up being the class of this draft in five years when we look back on it. 

QB Brandon Weeden

If Weeden were 22 instead of 28 he would be thought of as a first-round talent. His prime is not going to last as long as, say, Andrew Luck's or Robert Griffin III's, but he has the physical attributes to be a successful NFL quarterback for at least the next five years. 

He gave up years of his career to try his hand at baseball, though he quickly found out that wasn't in his best interest. He found a home at Oklahoma State, where he was able to hone his football skills and become a high-round draft pick. 

He has the arm strength, accuracy and poise to be a quality NFL passer. The only thing he needs is someone to take a chance on him. 

Projected Round: Third

RB Lamar Miller

The Miami running back is projected to be a late first-round pick, though that does not do justice to the kind of talent that he has. He may not have the flashy highlights or stats that Trent Richardson does, but he is a better all-around talent than the Alabama back. 

Miller has the speed to run past defenders, the strength to run over defenders, the ability to catch passes out the backfield and he is a solid blocker when asked to be. His position is the only thing holding him down. 

We all know the running back position has been devalued in the draft, so it will be hard for Miller to crack the top-10 to -15 picks. He would be a perfect fit for the Bengals at No. 17, so don't be shocked to see Marvin Lewis snatch him up. 

Projected Round: Mid-first

LB Vontaze Burfict

In terms of sheer athleticism and upside, there might not be a better player in this draft than Burfict. He is a physical freak, with the size, speed and strength to be a monster at linebacker. 

He does have some question marks because he is still very raw and there are questions about his attitude and work ethic. 

While teams are right to have trepidation about taking him due to his baggage, when you look at the measurables it is impossible not to start drooling. He could go anywhere from the middle of the first round to an early second-round pick when in reality he has top-10 talent. 

Projected Round: Late first

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