2012 NFL Draft: Underrated Prospects Who Can Help Teams Immediately

These players are not entering the draft with a lot of fanfare, but they have the goods to make an impact and make it right away. 

These guys are tough, talented, pro-ready and they are underrated. That means they are going to be a nice steal for whichever team drafts them and a pleasant surprise when they start making an impact on the season. 

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Despite being underrated, Barron is still going to get paid. There is no way this talented safety will get past the first round. He is just going to last until the later picks of the first, and he is far too talented to last that long. 

Barron has the perfect body for a strong safety. He is 6'2" and 218 pounds. What is holding him back is his lack of elite speed. 

He is not slow. He is just not fast enough to create the kind of buzz necessary to be projected higher in the draft. 

His speed will not be an issue. He is a very instinctive player. He takes good angles to the ball and can read what the offense is doing. 

Barron is a physical player that will make just as big of an impact in the run game as he will the pass game. He is going to be a Pro Bowl-caliber strong safety for years. 

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Much like Barron, Polk lacks the elite speed to be a top pick. In fact, it is unlikely he will go in the first round. 

He is going to be a bargain when he is drafted. Polk is capable of carrying the load in the backfield. He has a solid and thick body that will allow to stand up to the abuse of the NFL. 

He also has the straight-ahead running style that will find him rarely losing yards on a carry. The bottom line is that Polk knows how to produce. 

Polk was just the seventh back in the history of the Pac-12 to rush for over 4,000 yards. That accomplishment should not be overlooked. Especially considering the Huskies team he has been rushing for has not had an offensive lineman drafted since 2006. 

Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

Potter is not among the group of left tackles that are expected to go in the first round. At the root of this is his relatively light weight—300 pounds—and the lack of strength that goes with it. 

He has all the other tools, though. Potter is extremely nimble and good on his feet. He will be able to hold down the edge even against the elite speed rushers of the NFL. 

While he is not ready to dominate when it comes to drive blocking, with some hard work and good coaching he will be. 

Wherever Potter lands, he will be able to keep his QB his upright from day one.