2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Prospects Who Will Sneak into Round 1

Last year, it was Christian Ponder, James Carpenter and, to a certain extent, Jake Locker.

They were drafted considerably higher than many expected—some draftniks didn't predict any of the above to be taken in the first round. 

Which players will sneak into Round 1 of this year's NFL draft?

Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise State

McClellin is currently experiencing a steady rise in his draft stock. I'm still not sure how it happens, but luckily for Shea, he's been getting a significant boost from respected members of the media. 

NFLFilms' Greg Cosell raved about McClellin in his recent "Diamonds in the Rough" column: 

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I liked his lateral agility and quickness. He showed the ability to get low and bend the edge as a pass rusher. He also had an instinctive feel as an inside rusher for getting skinny and getting through small cracks. He shed blocks and made plays in the run game. He was a smooth change-of-direction athlete with excellent balance and body control. My sense is he will get better in the NFL with a chance to be a dynamic edge pass rusher. 

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Dynamic edge pass-rushers are a staple of the best defenses in today's NFL.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has McClellin going No. 27 overall to the New England Patriots in his most recent mock draft.

He claims his experience playing as a edge-rushing defensive end position and fluid athleticism would allow him to seamlessly transition to a stand-up, outside linebacker in the NFL. 

McClellin was a force on the Boise State defense last season, totaling 50 tackles, 12.5 for loss with seven sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. 

Although the Broncos are the nation's annual underdogs, they've delivered a handful of quality players to the NFL over the last five years. 

McClellin could be the best of them all.

Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State

Silatolu is one of the nastiest, overtly powerful and nimble offensive lineman in the 2012 class. While he's not as technically sound as Stanford's David DeCastro, he plays with just as much of a mean streak, effortlessly bursts into the second level and typically overpowers the man he's blocking. 

Playing at a small school against weaker competition is one of the only knocks on this punishing interior offensive lineman, who stands 6'4'' and weighed 311 pounds at the combine in February. 

Russ Lande of the Sporting News gushed about Silatolu, placing him No. 31 in his pre-draft rankings: 

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Silatolu plays with great pad level and hip/knee flex upon contact. He is violent and aggressive with his hands to punch the pass rusher, while still playing with balance and staying over his feet. After delivering an initial punch, he does an excellent job of re-coiling and punching pass rushers a second time.

Silatolu can re-direct his body to stone a stunting defensive lineman or a blitzing linebacker. He shows exceptional instincts and football awareness in every situation. Silatolu is a tremendous talent who likely will be a first-round pick.

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The San Francisco 49ers are a team that would make a ton of sense at No. 30 overall. They lost 2011 starting guard Adam Snyder to free agency. Silatolu could be the final piece of San Fran's youthful and dominating offensive front. 

Rueben Randle, WR, LSU 

He didn't receive a considerable amount of targets during his time with LSU, so Randle hasn't necessarily stood out to scouts and coaches during the pre-draft process. 

However, his 2011 season wasn't terrible. He reeled in 53 catches for 917 yards with eight receiving touchdowns. 

Randle has a desirable 6'3'', 210-pound frame and is an above-average athlete. He won't create major separation on every snap and can be thrown off by press coverage, but he demonstrated fine hands in college and utilized his bigger body to become great after the catch. 

Not a burner by any stretch and not overly explosive, Randle projects as a reliable possession receiver who should experience a relatively quick transition to the pros. 

NFL.com had this to say about the LSU product: 

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He is learning how to work routes downfield and is a strong catcher of both high and low balls. He has good flexibility in his routes to turn to the ball and really came along as a junior with his overall field awareness and ability to diagnose coverages to find his spots in zones.

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The Cleveland Browns could target Randle at No. 22 if Kendall Wright is already off the board, and he could go as early as No. 20 to the Tennessee Titans as player who can learn the nuances of the position from Kenny Britt. Randle would be great insurance for Britt, who tore up his knee in 2011.

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