2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing the Most Underrated Small FBS School Prospects

Each NFL season we see a lot of mid-major FBS talent rise up and become legitimate contributors to their respective franchises.

Well, the 2012 season will be no different, and there is some top-tier talent from non-BCS schools. That said, here's a look at some projected for the middle and later rounds that need to be considered.

Jonathan Massaquoi: DE, Troy

Potentially the next sack-master in line from the Troy Trojans after DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora, Jonathan Massaquoi really made every snap count in college.

Becoming a starter as a sophomore in 2010, Massaquoi recorded 12.5 sacks, 76 tackles and 20.5 tackles for loss. It was his first season after a red-shirt year because of a transfer, and he only kept rolling into 2011.

There, Massaquoi recorded six tackles and 52 tackles and had eight quarterback hurries. It became obvious that offenses gameplanned more for isolating him, but he still earned an All-Sun Belt Conference selection.

At the NFL level, Massaquoi's 6'2", 250-pound frame will be best for a 3-4 pass rusher just like Baltimore's Terrell Suggs and Dallas' DeMarcus Ware.

With quick hand techniques and instincts when defending the run, Massaquoi has a there's a lot of potential since he has yet to really develop consistency.

Robert Turbin: RB, Utah State

A 5'11", 215-pound Brahma Bull, Utah State's Robert Turbin compiled over 2,800 rushing yards between 2009 and 2011 (missed 2010) and scored 40 career rushing touchdowns.

He also accounted for 845 career receiving yards on 67 receptions that included 11 touchdowns.

A projected fifth-rounder, Turbin has the size, acceleration and power to really be a force in the NFL. Turbin's forte will likely be most effective in the short-yard ground game as well as in goal-line situations.

His top speed isn't overly impressive and Turbin does have some durability concerns, but his punishing attitude in the trenches is quite appealing. Franchises with solid No. 1 running backs like Jacksonville and Chicago would be the best fit as Turbin makes for a reliable No. 2 back.

Not to mention it would take pressure off guys like Maurice Jones-Drew and Matt Forte, both of which are the main ingredient to their offenses.

Jordan White: WR, Western Michigan

After two fairly productive seasons in 2007 and 2009 (missed 2008) despite being only a freshman and sophomore during those years, Western Michigan's Jordan White exploded in 2010 and kept the momentum going through 2011.

His final two seasons consisted of almost 3,300 receiving yards on 234 receptions and 27 touchdowns. The man has good size at 6', 215 pounds and is excellent in compiling yards after the catch.

Because of that size, White is able to get good separation early on a quick route and then break would-be tacklers for the important yards. He is consistent at making catches in traffic, downfield and busts upfield immediately.

Perhaps his best attribute is recognizing a defenses coverage, then adjusting the route to get open easier. In other words, find zone soft spots, splitting double-teams and going after the ball as opposed to waiting for it.

Likely a strong No. 2 receiver in the pros, White will need to improve acceleration if he wants to become a well-established No. 1 target.

Tank Carder: LB, TCU

This is a guy who has really made an impact because of instincts.

TCU's Tank Carder is not the biggest, fastest or strongest linebacker prospect, but he's easily one of the smartest and has an excellent level of preparedness.

At 6'2", 240 pounds, Carder is not your typical pass-rushing, run-stuffing specialist. He does everything very well and with full effort. For his career, Carder has recorded 228 tackles, four picks and has defended 23 passes.

Against the run, Carder can quickly read and react while beating most blocker to the hole to make the play. Against the pass, Tank's alertness allows him to wall off any crossing patterns and break fast to any screens.

In short, Carder thinks pre-snap and positions himself to consistently make plays. And when the ball is snapped, his attitude and instincts take over and what you see is reaction plus experience.

Provided that he can build some strength while maintaining his agility and athleticism, then Carder will really develop into a dominating NFL player.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)
2. Washington Redskins (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions:  Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Melvin Ingram, DE/LB (South Carolina)	31. New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.