NFL Draft 2012: Underrated Players Who'll Surprise as Rookies

The draft is an inexact science, and underrated players that impress as rookies always highlight this. It happens year in and year out. 

This season will be no different. There is plenty of talent to be had at all levels of this draft. 

Here are three players that are ready to blow away their expectations. 

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Polk is a talented and productive back that isn't getting a lot of love leading up to the draft. He put up outstanding numbers at the University of Washington despite playing behind less than elite offensive lines. 

During his last two seasons he gained at least 1,400 yards and had an average of at least 5.1 yards per carry. 

Polk is a hard, north and south runner. He doesn't have elite speed—he posted a 4.57 in the 40 at the combine—but he is quick and balanced.

Polk has decent hands out of the backfield. He can be counted on to hit holes and consistently gain positive yards. He will make an impact in his rookie year. 

Ryan Steed, CB, Furman

Coming out of Furman, it is not surprising that Steed is getting very little attention heading into the draft. That certainly doesn't mean he can't play though. 

He didn't do much to help his stock at the combine either. Steed is 5'10" and 195 pounds, a solid size for a corner, but his 4.68 in the 40 is going to drive teams away. 

However, there is much more to Steed than speed; he has great hands and strength. This will allow him to get a good jam on receivers at the line and disrupt passing games. 

This will make him especially valuable in nickel sets, as he will be able to slow down slot receivers off the line of scrimmage. 

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu is going to be held back in this draft because of his speed. It has been a big question mark, and he did nothing to answer that question positively by posting a 4.67 40 at the combine. 

However, Sanu is the kind of player that manages to play faster than he clocks. He also has nice hands and a pro-ready body. He is 6'2" and 218 pounds. 

He will be able to physically overpower many corners, and could do a nice job with underneath routes. 

Sanu should not be viewed as a potential No. 1 receiver, but he will be a nice and dependable second option.