2012 NFL Draft Grades: Reaches Who Will Make an Impact in Pros

Sometimes "reaches" in the NFL draft end up being players who make an immediate impact in the pros.

New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles was selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. He was supposed to be too small for the NFL. He broke the NFL record for single-season all-purpose yardage last season.

Two running backs considered reaches in the 2012 NFL draft are facing the same questions Sproles did in 2005. There are also some other prospects who aren't getting enough due respect.

Here are five "reaches" who will make an impact in the pros. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 7 overall: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Grade: B+

Mark Barron may have been a mid first-round pick, but it was a surprise when the Buccaneers grabbed him at No. 7 overall. Despite lacking top speed, athleticism or range, Barron is a strong, physical player who can blow up the run. Coupled with the Bucs' clear need in the secondary, he should be able to make an impact right away in the NFL.  

San Francisco 49ers, No. 30: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Grade: B

It was surprising that the 49ers didn't go with a much-needed guard or a receiver like Rueben Randle or Stephen Hill here, but A.J. Jenkins isn't as much of a reach as people seem to think. Pro Football Weekly ranked him as the fourth-best receiver in the draft. He's raw and he needs to work on his consistency and maturity, but he's a serious downfield threat, running the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the combine.

New York Giants, No. 32: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Grade: B

It may have been a surprise that the Giants didn't add a tight end like Stanford's Coby Fleener here, but David Wilson was fringe first-round pick. Wilson is a strong, explosive, athletic player who displayed good balance and elusiveness at Virginia Tech. He also has big-play ability.

St. Louis Rams, No. 50: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

Grade: B

Some people loved this pick. Some thought it was a reach. I believe Isaiah Pead can make an impact right away in the NFL. He's not built like a workhorse and he's not a good blocker, but he's another small, speedy running back who can simply break ankles with his elusiveness and cutback ability. 

San Francisco 49ers, No. 61: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Grade: B

Headed into the draft, LaMichael James was largely considered a third or fourth-round prospect based on his size and durability concerns. He isn't expected to be a feature back in the NFL because of these reasons. However, just because he may never be a feature back doesn't mean he can't still make a big-time impact. His speed, vision, instincts and elusiveness could make him a player comparable to Sproles.

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