2015 NFL Draft: 5 Lesser-Known Prospects Who Will Be 1st-Rounders

Now that we're more than halfway through the 2014 college football season, it's time to start analyzing the prospects for the 2015 NFL draft.

With an ample body of work from players to go on, the assessments made at this stage in mid-November are going to be a lot more useful than ones from earlier in the fall. 

There are always a bunch of prospects who start to rise up the boards and make names for themselves this time of year, and this list focuses on them.

Here are five lesser-known prospects who will end up being first-round picks next May.

*Stats via ESPN.com taken before games on November 15.

Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

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In a weak tight end class, the likelihood of a younger player declaring for the draft is high. That player could be redshirt sophomore Maxx Williams.

He isn't the strongest or fastest player, but he has ample size at 6'4" and 250 pounds, and his hands are absolutely incredible for a tight end.

Seven of his 22 catches have been touchdowns this season, and he has a couple highlight-reel grabs to boot. 

Keep an eye on Williams, who has been one of the University of Minnesota's best players this season. He will only get smarter and stronger on the field as he gets older. Of course, there's still a distinct chance that Williams chooses to spend another year (or two) in school to improve more.

Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

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This year's wide receiver class is certainly not as good as last year's, but there is still plenty of talent to be had. Jaelen Strong may be the best of the bunch.

He's one of the biggest reasons for Arizona State University's surge into the top 10 this season, as he's reeled in 62 catches for 879 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Philadelphia native has a great frame at 6'3" and 212 pounds, and he's an amazingly athletic player who will make you do a double-take at least once per game.

Go check out his highlight reel, and you'll come away as surprised as I am that this kid hasn't gotten more hype.

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

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Kevin White has roared up leaderboards and draft boards, and he's one of the leading receivers in all of college football.

The senior has caught 92 passes for 1,207 yards and eight touchdowns as the focal point in West Virginia University's offense. He has a long frame at 6'3" and is more of a possession guy than a burner.

The former junior college transfer has good hands and even better body control, which allows him to make tough, contested catches all over the field.

His consistency has been remarkable as well. White has seven games with eight or more catches, including three games with 13 or more catches. 

Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky

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The only defensive player on this list, Alvin Dupree, is an athletic monster who reminds me a little of Ezekiel Ansah because of his combination of strength and explosiveness.

The 6'4", 260-pound defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid is a disruptive force who has racked up 5.5 sacks and an interception so far this year.

The University of Kentucky's best player, Dupree was a standout two-way player in high school, starring at both tight end and defensive end. That athleticism is evident every time he steps on the field.

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

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The consensus top two quarterbacks are Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, but the debate is wide open regarding who comes in third.

Put my vote in for Connor Cook, the signal-caller from Michigan State University who has quietly been one of the better quarterbacks in the country the past two seasons.

He has ideal NFL height at 6'4", and he has the arm strength and footwork to become a first-round selection. His completion percentage being below 60 isn't ideal, but his 41-11 TD-INT ratio is very good.

Cook's accuracy isn't exceptional yet, and he isn't going to beat anyone with his legs. But he has the makeup to be the third quarterback taken in the draft if he comes out, which is almost certain to be in the first round.