2012 NFL Draft: Second Round Gems That Could Start Week 1 of 2012

In the second round of the NFL Draft, teams want to find the most value for their pick, which means finding players who can make a solid impact right from the start of their pro careers.

Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots is very good at doing this, and found star tight end Rob Gronkowski toward the middle of the second round back in the 2010 draft.

While the best talent is in the first round of the draft, there are many gems in this year's class that will be taken in the second round who'll be able to start in Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season.

Let's take a look at some of those players.

1) Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The LSU defensive tackle would shine in a 4-3 system at the NFL level, and his amazing performance in the Tigers' loss to Alabama in the national championship game really impressed talent evaluators. 

Brockers blocked a kick and had seven tackles against the Crimson Tide in January, and has the size and strength needed to be an effective defensive lineman at the pro level.

Brockers should be one of the first players selected in the second round, and will give the team that's smart enough to draft him a pass-rushing and run-stuffing defensive tackle that can excel and start in Week 1.

2) Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Chase Minnifield of Virginia, who stands 6'0" and 185 pounds, is a very good cornerback with good size for the position, which more teams could use since many corners in the NFL are shorter than 6'0".

Minnifield excels in coverage and has the foot speed to keep up with faster wide receivers who run excellent routes.

Minnifield could start in Week 1 not only because he's good in coverage, but he also plays the run exceptionally, thanks to his tremendous tackling skills.

Expect Minnifield to play a good amount from the start of next season.

3) Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M quarterback has immense talent, but some injury concerns will likely prevent him from moving into the first round.

Tannehill throws on the run quite well and has decent arm strength, too. A team like the Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, or Cleveland Browns, that needs a quarterback, but doesn't get a chance to take Robert Griffin III in the first round may look at Tannehill in the second round.

Tannehill put up good numbers with the Aggies last season, throwing 29 touchdowns passes with 15 interceptions, and is one of the better quarterback prospects in the draft, following Griffin and Andrew Luck.