2012 NFL Draft: Late-Round Picks That Will Be Breakout Stars

Now that March Madness is on the tail end of its run, our attention turns to the NFL draft in April. 

We all know how the first couple of picks are going to look, despite Colts' owner Jim Irsay not coming out and claiming Andrew Luck.  After the second round, when all the big names are off the board, the attention turns to finding that diamond in the rough.  Which late-round pick is going to be a breakout star in 2012?

Let's see if we can find the next Tom Brady (sixth round in 2000), Zach Thomas (fifth round in 1996) or Michael Turner (sixth round in 2004).

Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M)

Jeff Fuller set records during his time at Texas A&M.  He owns team records for most receiving yards (3,092), most receptions (233) and most receiving touchdowns (34).

Standing at 6"4', 220 lbs, Fuller has been a key part of the Aggies' offense ever since he started in his freshman year. 

He is projected to fall in the late fourth or early fifth round.  Wide receivers are generally later-round picks, but the fact that Texas A&M was perhaps the single most disappointing team last year has not boosted Fuller's draft stock.

Going forward, Fuller is a player that can immediately provide a boost to a team's receiving corps.  Look for a team like the Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals to pick him up.

Tank Carder (TCU)

With 228 career tackles, Tank Carder has long been the anchor of Gary Patterson's defense. Carder has proved to be a valuable coverage linebacker while at TCU and has some of the best footwork.

The concern, and the reason Carder is projected to go late in the fifth round or early in the sixth round, surrounds Carder being somewhat undersized and prone to nagging injuries.  While at TCU, Carder had frequent issues with his back and shoulder, which will be tested when he goes up against bigger and stronger running backs in the NFL.

Overall, Carder should find his place on a team that would use him in a nickel defense.  Putting him in the open field will allow him to freely roam, utilizing his instinctive coverage skills.  Tampa Bay or Oakland look to be leading candidates for Carder's services.

Jaye Howard (Florida)

The Florida Gators are known for producing speed rushers, and Jaye Howard is another one to add to the list.  Howard finished his career as a Gator with 131 total tackles and 11 sacks.

He is a versatile player and can be utilized inside or outside.

All the skills are there for success but there are concerns about his work ethic and character.

If Howard can keep his nose clean and show a solid work ethic, he will soon be a starter in the NFL.

Terrance Ganaway (Baylor)

Baylor was all over ESPN last year but you didn't hear Terrance Ganaway's name too often.  While Kendall Wright and RGIII were lighting up the scoreboard, Terrance Ganaway was quietly dominating on the ground. 

Ganaway led the Big XII last year in rushing yards (1,547) and proved to be unstoppable in the Alamo Bowl, rushing for 200 yards and five touchdowns.  His 22 reps on the bench and sub-4.6 40-yard dash time put Ganaway among the top running backs.

While the spotlight is still on Robert Griffin III, whoever drafts Ganaway will be getting a very valuable player at a very reasonable price.

Emmanuel Acho (Texas)

Emmanuel Acho is looking to follow in his brother's footsteps. 

Emmanuel's brother, Sam Acho, had 40 tackles and seven sacks in his first year in the league and was a key component of the Arizona Cardinals' defense.  This is going to help boost Acho's draft stock higher than his late third-/early fourth-round projection.

Acho isn't the quickest athlete but makes up for it with his instincts.  He has shown the capability to shed blocks and make solid tackles, playing more like he is 260 lbs than 238 lbs.

Sam Acho was a steal in the fourth round, and all signs point towards Emmanuel being just as valuable.

Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State)

Most of the criticism that is directed towards Brandon Weeden is due to his age.  At 27 years old, Weeden is a good five years further into his career than Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III.

No one doubts his throwing ability or his decision making.  The questions: Is he still worth the investment even though he is five years behind?

Yes.

Weeden played very well in Andrew Luck's shadow during the Fiesta Bowl, and he completely dominated RGIII in Stillwater earlier in the year.

Brandon Weeden has the skills and the will to succeed in the NFL; all he needs is the opportunity.  Don't be surprised if a team takes a chance on him before his projected late third-round or early fourth-round destination.

Russell Wilson (Wisconsin)

If any quarterback has had the necessary pro-style offensive experience, it's Russell Wilson. 

The Wisconsin Badgers continuously and methodically moved the ball down the field in 2011 under Wilson's command.

Wilson has the accuracy and arm strength to pass the ball, but has also developed solid footwork in his time at Wisconsin.  Perhaps the most interesting statistic is his second-fastest 40-yard dash time behind RGIII.  

The speed to get outside, experience under center, and accuracy on the run will make Wilson a valuable and mobile quarterback in the NFL.