2012 NFL Draft: 7 Underrated Prospects Who May Land in the First Round

Every year it happens. Some team does the unthinkable and makes everyone at the draft either stand up and take notice or, in the case of the peanut gallery of Jets fans, laugh until it hurts.

Every year, the NFL draft surprises us.

For years, even before Bill Belichick showed the world how to draft players and make your team even better through free agency and trades, Don Shula would unearth gems to make his team complete: Mark Clayton, an eighth-round selection out of Louisville; Mark Duper, a second-round find from Northwestern State (La.)

However, there were other times when he complete whiffed on players as well: John Bosa, Jay Brophy and others.

No, the draft is not exact and acts like a stock market with no surety of results, but every once in a while, there are underrated prospects who find their way into the first round and they turn out just fine.

Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall

There is a first line of defenders in this draft like Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw. And after you get past those three, it's a dog fight for the next defensive end to be selected.

Curry is the one everyone is talking about.

He wowed scouts and spectators at the Senior Bowl and has the size and speed to be a tenacious pass-rusher.

Cam Johnson, Defensive End, Virginia

I think Johnson has a real chance to be something special.

He is a second-tier pass-rusher, but in the right scheme (San Diego Chargers, New York Giants), he could be a star.

He reminds me of Jeff Lagemen with a better skill set.

Trumaine Johnson, Cornerback, Montana

Every year, a team takes a chance on someone that leaves you puzzled.

This could be the player.

He is 6'2" and 204 pounds and looks the part. Maybe an Aaron Ross or Michael Griffin type of player. Someone who needs help in the secondary (New England or even the Packers) may look his way.

Remember, Darrell Green was a player from Texas A&I.

LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon

The mighty might of the draft, James had a very impressive showing in the postseason and should garner first-round consideration from New England, the Giants and maybe Denver.

He could be a Warrick Dunn-type runner in the NFL. Not a bad comparison.

Lavonte David, Linebacker, Nebraska

Outside linebacker who I could see playing inside and maybe being a Jerod Mayo-type player.

David can rush from the outside or cover the tight end over the middle. He could also be a run-stuffing linebacker.

Rueben Randle, Wide Receiver, LSU

No one is talking about him. Randle is tall at 6'3" and could be a great catch (no pun intended) to make things happen as an end zone threat in the NFL.

Some team like Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, San Diego or Jacksonville could trade back into the first round to snatch him up.

Amini Silatolu, Guard, Midwestern State

When you come from a Division III school, sometimes it is hard to get noticed.

Everyone notices Amini Silatolu of Midwestern State.

He and Kelechi Osemele of Iowa State could prove to be the two sleeper guards in the draft and both could find their way into the first round.

Silatolu can play both sides of the line and could learn to eventually play center in the NFL.