NFL Draft 2014: Predicting Dark-Horse Prospects Who Will Be Selected in Round 1

As we all know, the draft is a very fluid process. Each year, prospects rise and fall on draft boards due to various reasons, and the 2014 NFL draft will be no different. We are already beginning to see some movement on big boards due to the results of combine and individual workouts.

When some of the top prospects begin to slide, it paves the way for others to climb their way up the rankings. On certain occasions, prospects who are perceived to have a second-round value may go early—even before some players who have first-round grades.

Based on what we've seen so far this offseason, let's take a look at a few darkhorse candidates who may find themselves going earlier than expected—in this case, the first round.

Marcus Martin, C, USC

This year's crop of centers isn't entirely deep; however, Martin appears to be the most NFL-ready prospect at the position. Martin started all 35 of his career games at USC and has experience playing both guard and center.

Martin's best attribute is his size. At 6'3" and 320 pounds, with a wide frame, he has the girth to stand up against the NFL's toughest defensive tackles. Able to sustain blocks and athletic enough to get to the second level, Martin has the versatility to bolster a team's run-blocking and pass protection.

Due to his experience in USC's offense, he can become an instant starter at the NFL level.

Martin did not work out at the combine due to the fact that he was rehabbing an injury; however, his pro day is set for Wednesday, and if he isn't hampered by injury, he should be a favorite among NFL scouts.

Per Martin's draft profile on NFL.com:

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Outstanding-sized, barrel-chested finesse pivot with center-guard versatility. Grades out highly as a position-sustain blocker and possesses untappped strength and power in his body. Lacks desirable grit, toughness and finishing strength to maximize his talent and is stronger than he plays. Has instant-starter potential as a center or right guard, but could stand to benefit from some time to be groomed.

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There are teams late in the first round of the draft that could stand to make an upgrade at the center position, and they could look in Martin's direction. The Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers could all be landing spots.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois

The quarterback need is strong around the league, and many teams will be looking for their signal-caller of the future in this year's draft. Garoppolo carved up the college ranks last season, tossing for an improbable 5,050 yards and 53 touchdowns while throwing only nine interceptions.

Garoppolo is built like an NFL quarterback, standing at 6'2" and weighing 226 pounds. Along with his size, he also possesses deceptive athleticism, which allows him to slide around in the pocket and avoid taking sacks.

He may not have the strongest arm, but Garoppolo does have a lightning-quick release and is a great decision-maker. He would fit perfectly in an NFL West Coast offense.

There are doubts about Garoppolo's ability to translate his talent to the NFL level after playing for a small school in college; however, his pocket awareness and timing are far superior to many other big-school quarterbacks in this year's draft.

Garoppolo's draft profile on NFL.com sums him up in this manner:

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A decorated, FCS passer, Garoppolo could excite quarterback coaches with his quick delivery, mental make-up and work habits, yet he still needs to prove he can fit the ball into tight windows and do more than carve up soft shells the way he regularly did on his way to a record-breaking performance in college. Possesses the physical tools to eventually earn an NFL starting job in a rhythm passing game with continued refinement, but is more of a caretaker than a game changer and will require some patience adapting to the NFL game.

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Teams in the later portion of the first round that may be looking for their quarterback of the future could take a stab at Garoppolo this year. The Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers could be tempted. Also, the Cleveland Browns could look at Garoppolo should they select someone at a different position with the fourth-overall pick.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington

The top-two tight ends in this year's draft class—Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro—are well-known prospects, but Austin Seferian-Jenkins is not too far behind them. Possessing a great size-to-speed ratio, Seferian-Jenkins makes for an intriguing late first-round prospect.

Standing at 6'5" and weighing 262 pounds, he has tremendous straight-line speed for someone of his stature. His athleticism and solid hands combine with his size to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs, making him a great red-zone target.

Seferian-Jenkins may have already been considered a first-round candidate; however, he is coming off of an injury and could not work out at the combine.

While at Washington, Seferian-Jenkins set school records for a tight end, including receptions (146), receiving yards (1,840) and touchdowns (21). He looks the part, and his play is consistent enough to warrant him as an NFL team's top tight end.

Seferian-Jenkins's draft profile on NFL.com summarizes him as such:

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An intriguing height-weight-speed prospect, Seferian-Jenkins has all the tools to be a legitimate No. 1 tight end in the NFL, though he has to maintain focus and consistency and continue improving as a blocker. Looks the part. Has outstanding size and stature—presents a big target and dwarfs defensive backs.

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Should Ebron and Amaro go earlier in the draft, Seferian-Jenkins could be an interesting selection for the New England Patriots or Seattle Seahawks near the end of the first round.