NFL Draft 2012: Late-Round Picks Who Will Exceed Their Expectations

The NFL draft is full of bonafide stars and under-the-radar question marks. Many stars will be taken in the draft's early rounds. Teams with elite scouting departments will find gems in the late rounds, as well. 

The first-round picks are the easiest. Those players have been in the spotlight for weeks. Everyone knows what they bring to the table. 

As the draft moves along the picks get more difficult. Every NFL front office wants to find their diamond in the rough.

This year there are several, if you know where to look.

Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Minnifield will be on the board until the fourth or fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft. He will eventually play well-above those expectations.

Minnifield was once considered an early-round selection. Now, his focus is questioned despite his NFL-ready body and considerable experience.

Teams playing Cover 2 schemes will benefit from Minnifield's services. He is a strong player who can aid in run support or lock down a receiver in the slot. He must work on his tackling ability, but that will develop as he works with an NFL coaching staff. 

Minnifield will never have the consistency to stick with an elite outside receiver, but his body type and strength will allow him to lock up the middle of the field. 

Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

Fuller has the build of a first-round pick. Fuller's lack of explosiveness and speed is the only thing holding this experienced wide receiver back. 

Fuller's 6'4'' frame is NFL-ready. He is an extremely physical player, but lacks the ability to separate press coverage at the line. Fuller's size will make him a dynamic red zone presence from day one. He is lanky, catches the ball at its highest point and has above-average hands. 

Fuller will learn how to separate himself from weaker corners at the next level. This will allow him to realize his potential as a potent No. 2 receiver in the NFL.

NFL teams drool over targets with Fuller's size. He will prove any lingering doubts false by the end of his second NFL season.

Brandon Lindsey, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh

Lindsey will be a perfect fit in someone's 3-4 scheme. He will last until the third or fourth round, but provide great depth from day one for one lucky franchise. 

Lindsey can put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end or stand up as an outside linebacker. His versatility lends itself to today's NFL and will pay dividends down the line. 

Lindsey is strong enough to shed blockers in run support. He is also quick enough to beat tackles around the edge and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. 

He is still raw and needs to get stronger to take the next developmental step. If he can improve his focus and play diagnosis, he will become a very solid NFL linebacker. 

Lindsey is a project, but has the potential to be an excellent pass-rusher. With some work, he will become a solid all-around defensive player.

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Quarterbacks must provide leadership in the NFL. Wilson is an excellent leader with a mature, NFL-ready demeanor.

WIlson's stature hurts his NFL draft stock. He does not have the ideal height to see over NFL linemen, but he is an extremely crafty quarterback. He understands how to get out of the pocket without abandoning the pass. This allows Wilson to see down the field and find an open receiver. 

Wilson's mobility is also a benefit. He has quick feet and can make defenders miss at the second and third levels. 

Wilson learned Wisconsin's playbook at a rapid rate after his transfer from N.C. State. He has a very good head on his shoulders and will benefit from holding a clipboard for a few seasons.

Wilson will not go until the fourth round, but he will be a solid NFL quarterback when all is said and done.

Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee

Poole is not spectacular in any area, but is solid across the board. He will last until the fifth or sixth round.

Poole is short, stocky and tough to bring down on impact. He is not incredibly elusive in the open field, but can make defenders miss at times. 

Poole's strength allows him to rack up yards after contact. He has a low center of gravity and keeps his pad level low as well. He will be a solid third-down running back from day one in the NFL and could turn into more down the line. He is a capable pass-catcher and is solid in pass protection.

Poole is not a big name, but he will emerge from the wreckage of Tennessee's program looking very good.