2012 NFL Draft Projections: Underrated Skill Players Ready to Make an Impact

The Scouting Combine is almost over, which means it is time for teams and analysts to start filling out their draft boards. While stars like Robert Griffin III were the talk of the event, there were plenty of players who came out of nowhere to elevate their stock in a big way. 

As we have seen in the past, the workout is not the best gauge of future success. Jeff George is probably a first-round pick even today if he was throwing in Indianapolis. No one is breaking down the doors to call him a great selection. 

Still, it is refreshing to see some under-the-radar players get their moment in the spotlight and move up a round or two on draft day. 

Here are the Combine studs that will have a big impact in the NFL. 

Kirk Cousins, Quarterback

Once you get past Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, who could end up being the top two players taken if things work out, there are a lot of questions at the quarterback position. 

Cousins is not going to be a first-round pick, at least not yet, but he was the best quarterback that took part in the throwing drills in Indianapolis on Sunday. 

His strength in college was his accuracy and strong presence in the pocket. He displayed those at the Combine, while his arm was better than expected. He doesn't have an electric arm, but he can make all the throws needed to succeed in the NFL. 

Projected Round: Mid second

Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver

No player elevated his stock this weekend as much as Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill. He was not on anyone's first-round radar before his workout, but a 4.36 second 40-yard dash and his 6'4", 215-pound frame make him a late-first rounder. 

With Alshon Jeffery and Kendall Wright's stock slipping for various reasons, Hill could end up being the third receiver taken after Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd. 

This year's wide receiver group has great depth, which means that a player must do anything he can to get an advantage. Hill made the most of his opportunity, and should be rewarded on draft day. 

Projected Round: Late first

David Wilson, Running Back

While Trent Richardson is the class of the running back group this year, Wilson is making a strong case to be taken ahead of Lamar Miller late in the first round. 

Despite being a one-dimensional back at Virginia Tech, Wilson showed that he can be an effective pass-catcher in the NFL with a strong showing in Indianapolis.

His 40 time (4.49 seconds) and broad jump (11') are great signs that he can be an explosive runner against NFL defenses. He should be the second running back to be drafted, but with the position being so devalued no one knows where that leaves him. 

Projected Round: Early second

Follow @adamwells1985