Undrafted NFL Free Agents 2012: Players Guaranteed to Make Impact on League

Just because a player wasn't one of the 253 men selected during the 2012 NFL draft doesn't mean they can't be successful in the league. Guys like Tony Romo, Jeff Saturday, Arian Foster, Wes Welker, James Harrison, and Antonio Gates have all reached multiple Pro Bowls after going undrafted. 

Here is a look at the players not taken in the 2012 NFL draft who are sure to make an impact in the league.

Chris Polk, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

All Polk did at Washington was produce. He rushed for 4,049 yards and 26 touchdowns over the course of his four years with the Huskies and was one of the Pac-12's best offensive players during that time.

At 5'10" and 215 pounds, Polk has a nice blend of height, weight and top-end speed. He is a versatile back who can grind out yards between the tackles or bounce the ball outside and run past defenders in the open field.

In addition, he is outstanding in the passing game out of the backfield, as he racked up 79 receptions for 683 yards and four touchdowns during his career.

At one time Polk was a fringe first-round prospect but his lengthy injury history scared off most teams.

If he can figure out a way to stay healthy, Polk will be a solid NFL running back and could carve out a really nice career for himself. He is a hard worker who is passionate about the game and will likely do whatever the Eagles ask of him. He's a perfect fit for what they do with their running backs.

James Brown, OG, Chicago Bears

At 6'3" and 306 pounds, Troy guard James Brown is a load who should only get better as his body continues to change. During his collegiate career Brown dropped 40 pounds, and that weight loss has made it so he could play tackle as well.

Brown has long 34.5" arms and huge hands, which makes him even tougher for defensive linemen to slip by. I'm not sure why he dropped during the draft, but I had him with the third- or fourth-round grade and couldn't believe how far he fell.

He is a very good run blocker and is also sold in pass protection. He already has above-average awareness and that should improve with professional coaching.

He inked a deal with the Chicago Bears and I wouldn't be surprised if he works his way into the team's offensive line rotation as a rookie. He's too good and his ceiling is too high to remain on the bench in Chicago, where the current offensive line leaves a lot to be desired.

Brandon Bolden, RB, Washington Redskins

Bolden isn't the kind of guy who jumps off the page at you, but make no mistake, the guy can play. In four years at Mississippi, he racked up 2,604 yards on 486 carries (5.4 yards per carry). However, he never had more than 163 carries in a season and obviously his lack of full-time duty probably hurt him in the draft.

At 5'11" and 222 pounds, Bolden has the build of an every-down back and while he doesn't have breakaway speed, he isn't slow. He's a competitive runner who Mike Shanahan will love and could earn his way on to Washington's roster as Roy Helu's primary backup.

Bolden's deficiencies mostly have to do with a lack of overall experience. His balance is still developing as are his vision and patience with the ball. He simply needs to get some more miles on his legs before he can be elite in any one area.

I definitely see him as a guy who could come out of nowhere in a year or two as an injury replacement and suddenly be a very good NFL running back.

Luke Nix, OG, Oakland Raiders

Nix is another guard who fell out of the draft but that doesn't mean he can't play. A left pectoral injury kept him out of the combine and probably scared off a few teams, especially after a dislocated kneecap and stretched ligaments kept him out of five games during his final season at Pittsburgh. 

At 6'5" and 317 pounds, Nix has a great frame and could even add a bit more bulk. He has lined up at right tackle and guard and during his three years as a starter for the Panthers; he showed himself to be a tough, aggressive blocker who seemed to relish contact.

He can also get to the second level to make blocks and has enough quickness and burst to pull across the line when needed. 

If he can stay healthy, Nix will be an outstanding guard at the NFL level. The Raiders scored a steal here.