NFL Draft 2012: Analyzing the Most Underrated Mid-Round WRs

Other than cornerbacks, the wide receivers are the deepest position in the 2012 NFL Draft. As many as five could potentially go in Round 1 and the mid-rounds will obviously be more.

We also have to remember that more receivers means more prospects going overlooked. So, here's to keeping an eye on the underrated receivers that deserve more recognition.

Nick Toon, Wisconsin

A solid route-runner with improved top speed and quickness, Nick Toon is not only underrated, but a steal in the fourth-round.

His 2011 numbers—936 yards on 64 catches and 10 touchdowns—aren't sexy, but Toon was a system receiver at Wisconsin. Also, the Badgers running a pro-style offense that focused on the ground game and Toon still produced with every opportunity.

Developing as an great run-blocker, Toon help set the edge and/or elongate the running lanes for Montee Ball's Heisman campaign. Any NFL team needing an unselfish, reliable possession target must snag him at the right time.

Ty Hilton, Florida International

Easily one of the NFL draft's most complete players, Ty Hilton was Mr. Everything for Florida International.

As a receiver, Hilton caught 229 passes for 3.531 yards and scored 24 touchdowns, but he really dominated as a return man. Pulling double duty on kickoffs and punts, Hilton compiled 3,469 total return yards and took six back for touchdowns.

Hilton even accounted for 498 rushing yards on 69 carriers, including seven more touchdowns. In the pros, Hilton will get the second level defenders stretched back, widen the defensive line as a slot receiver for jet sweeps and provide a field position advantage on special teams.

Joe Adams, Arkansas

Joe Adams is your prototypical slot receiver with the service of being a dangerous punt returner. He is slated to go in late Round 4 or early in Round 5.

Now, he wasn't the Razorbacks most productive receiver by any means, but Adams was effectively consistent and quite reliable. A solid four-year contributor, Adams compiled 2,410 yards on 164 receptions and scored 17 touchdowns.

Even more impressive, Adams tallied 570 punt return yards and took five back to the house. That displays excellent field awareness, ball-carrier vision and patience. As a receiver that allows him to adjust his route mid-pattern to get open quicker.

Marvin McNutt, Iowa

An expected late fifth/early sixth-round selection, Iowa's Marvin McNutt goes way overlooked having played second fiddle to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos in 2009 and 2010. Still, during that span, McNutt caught 87 passes for over 1,500 yards and scored 16 times.

Taking the No. 1 receiver reigns in 2011, McNutt stepped up to the challenge and had a career year with over 1,300 yards on 82 receptions, including 12 touchdowns.

McNutt has No. 1 deep threat potential as he  possesses great size, athleticism and leaping ability. However, he does need to improve as a route-runner and get better explosion. His playmaking skills are appealing, though, as McNutt averaged over 17 yards per catch during his final three years.

John Rozum on Twitter.