NFL Draft 2012: Underrated Talents at Every Position
There are a number of players in the 2012 NFL draft that we talk about every day.
Some, such as the likely No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, are unavoidable. Not only are they franchise-saving players, but they're also extremely likable and marketable.
Others, such as Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson, are simply the best at their positions.
But there are also a number of underrated players we aren't hearing about all that often. Here is a look at some of them at each position.
Quarterback: Nick Foles, Arizona
It is hard for any quarterback to truly be under the radar, but the current rise of Brandon Weeden and Brock Osweiler has left Nick Foles' name off a number of lips.
The 6'5", 244-pounder has a huge arm and a lot of upside. He has prototypical size and can drive the ball down the field.
One thing that stands out about Foles is his overall leadership and intangibles. If a team takes the time to help develop him, they could have themselves a long-time starter.
Running Back: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
The Senior Bowl MVP and Big East Offensive Player of the Year can immediately help an NFL team. There are some concerns about his maturity, but if he takes to life in an NFL locker room it will be hard to keep him off the field.
He has playmaking ability as a return man, scat back and slot receiver.
There are better overall players, that is for sure, but Pead is an extremely intriguing prospect.
Wide Receiver: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Injury concerns and size are the two things dogging the Sooners star. Before tearing his ACL, Broyles was on the fringe of the first round with his ridiculous productivity, quickness and playmaking ability.
The Oklahoma program has a way of boosting stats, but Broyles' determination and natural skills won't be kept down for long.
He'll catch on somewhere and make the most of any opportunity he gets.
Tight End: Michael Egnew, Missouri
The 6'5", 252-pounder had to go through some quarterback inconsistencies this season, but he's still a talented weapon with great size.
He has a lot of work to do as an inline blocker, but does have great hands and can separate well.
Offensive Tackle: Brandon Mosley, Auburn
The nearly 6'6", 315-pound Mosley is a gifted athlete who has played a number of positions during his football career.
He'll be older than most rookies, but he's a tough, gritty player who'll earn everything he gets.
Offensive Guard/Center: David Molk, Michigan
At 6'1", 298 pounds, Molk is a bit smaller, but will fight to the death. He's smart and disciplined and plays with a nasty streak.
He won't be talked about much, but he'll be a welcome addition to any team.
Defensive End: Jared Crick, Nebraska
Once a potential first-round pick, Crick is a well-known name but a player who has fallen down the board and hasn't been talked about much.
At 6'4", 280 pounds, he can play a number of positions, is a fantastic worker and will be a great addition to any team in the league.
Defensive Tackle: Marcus Forston, Miami
There are a lot of flags for this U player, but if he is able to put everything together, he could be a huge get in this year's draft.
Forston has good quickness and has flashed the ability to take over, and most of his problems can be corrected.
Outside Linebacker: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
The Sooners linebacker was extremely productive in Norman and is a gifted tackler. At 6'1", 246 pounds, he's an intense competitor with the desire to get better and be better.
Some team will find a way to make him a player.
Inside Linebacker: Ryan Baker, LSU
Baker is undersized and older than most rookies, but has good instincts and loves being on the field.
There aren't enough players we can say that about.
Cornerback: Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
The well-known Cornhusker defender has fallen down some boards for lack of perceived speed and ball skills, but Dennard makes up for that in a number of other areas.
He's a good leader, loves to get physical and is always working. Someone will get a steal if he falls too far down the board.
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