2012 NFL Mock Draft: Underrated Playmakers That Should Crack First Round

We know all about Andrew Luck and Trent Richardson.

We now know all about Robert Griffin III.

We know about Matt Barkley, Justin Blackmon and even Morris Claiborne, Matt Kalil and Landry Jones.

These prospects are first-round picks, top-10 talents in most cases. But the first round runs 32 picks deep, and there are always a few surprises and underrated stars that deserve more publicity.

Here are a few of those playmakers who should crack the first round.

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

There is a pretty good chance that anyone West of...hmmm, Pennsylvania...has no idea who Mohamed Sanu is. After all, Rutgers is largely irrelevant to anyone outside the Big East, and they've already turned out too many surprisingly good NFL players as it is.

Ray Rice, Kenny Britt and Devin McCourty just to name a few. 

Coach Greg Schiano has quietly stockpiled some very, very intriguing weapons in recent years, and Sanu is at the top of the new class. There is already a strong indication that the 6'2", 215-pound wide receiver/utility man is planning an early exit this spring after his junior year.

And, after recording 109 catches this season, why not?

Sanu went to Rutgers expecting to play safety and wound up as a freshman sensation at wide receiver/running back/Wildcat QB/return man.

This was his first full season as a true receiver, and it paid huge dividends for his NFL future. He possesses unique versatility, has good size and speed for the position and has a knack for making big plays when needed.

He's a fringe first-round talent who can bring a lot of excitement to a team late in the first.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Ryan Tannehill is another unique prospect with versatility. He spent time at wide receiver like Sanu, but ultimately moved to quarterback in the middle of last season and made huge strides with the Aggies.

Tannehill possesses intriguing upside, but doesn't have the body of work that most would like to see. He's only played one full season and then some as a starter, and although there is excitement about his potential, there is also concern.

However, at 6'4.5", 225 pounds, he is an above-average athlete who can change the game with his feet as well as his arm.

He's exhibited good arm strength and the ability to fit the ball into some tight spots. He's a natural leader and team player with his best football still in front of him.

We saw teams jump on quarterbacks early last year, and Tannehill has just as much, if not more, talent than them.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Robert Griffin III deservedly receives the most praise for any player in Waco, Texas, but his top target is on the radar as well.

Kendall Wright is a bit smaller at 5'10", 194 pounds, but he possess great speed and athleticism and has been durable throughout his career in the Big 12.

This season, he caught 101 passes for 1,572 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He's gotten better each and every year and will get an opportunity to show off his skills in the Valero Alamo Bowl against Desmond Trufant of Washington in what will be a great one-on-one matchup.

He and Sanu will be very interesting late-first-round playmakers for the playoff teams to look at.

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

There was much debate on whether or not Lamar Miller should leave Miami for the NFL this season, but that debate is now over. A report from CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman indicates that Miller is going to leave, and, according to Joe Schad, he's signed with Drew Rosenhaus.

The Hurricanes running back is the best backfield prospect from the "U" since Willis McGahee in 2003.

He flashed brilliance at times this season, but also struggled and ultimately finished the season with 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns. He's noted for great speed but poor stamina and has the potential to be great. 

Rumors have been heard about the 5'11", 212-pound back running sub-4.4 in the 40-yard dash. Rotoworld's Evan Silva says he's actually run as fast as 4.3 flat.

The debate on Lamar Miller has just begun, but there's a good chance he'll move up during the draft process and be one heck of a playmaker.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

If the name Janoris Jenkins rings a bell, it is because he used to star for the Florida Gators. He chose to stay at school rather than enter the draft a year ago and wound up being thrown off the team for yet another off-the-field incident.

The former Gator went to North Alabama this season and hasn't been forgotten by scouts and coaches. He's only 5'10", 182 pounds, but he can be a dynamic playmaker around the football and plays bigger than his given size.

He is a bit of a gambler at times, but he can also lock down opponents when he focuses in.

The NFL will want to see how he fares again in the All-Star Game process against top competition, but Jenkins is more than talented enough to find a home in the first round.

Honorable Mention

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech—The 5'10", 205-pound running back is a spark plug. He has very good speed, can make plays out of the backfield and has filled out into his frame well in the last few years. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry this year.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State—If the fiery linebacker decides to leave school, he'll have a lot to prove in terms of attitude and maturity, but his physical tools are undeniable. At 6'3", 252 pounds, he has the size and overall athleticism to be a playmaker at linebacker.

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georiga—The Bulldogs pass-rusher is a bit undersized at 6'3", 241 pounds, but he knows how to get in the backfield. He's recorded 13.5 sacks this season and would be an ideal 4-3 pass rusher.

Updated First Round Mock

*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-13)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-10)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Minnesota Vikings (2-11)	Matt Kalil, OT
4.	Miami Dolphins (4-9)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Carolina Panthers (4-9)	Morris Claiborne, CB
6.	Buffalo Bills (5-8)	Robert Griffin III, QB
7.	Cleveland Browns (4-9)	Trent Richardson, RB
8.	Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)	Michael Floyd, WR
9.	Washington Redskins (4-9)	Landry Jones, QB
10.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9)	Quinton Coples, DE
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (5-8)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	Seattle Seahawks (5-7)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (5-8)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	San Diego Chargers (6-7)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
15.	Arizona Cardinals (6-7)	Jonathan Martin, OT
16.	Tennessee Titans (7-6)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
17.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (7-6)	Lamar Miller, RB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-6)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Dallas Cowboys (7-6)	Devon Still, DT
20.	Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
21.	Detroit Lions (8-5)	Luke Kuechly, LB
22.	New York Jets (8-5)	David DeCastro, OG
23.	Denver Broncos (8-5)	Brandon Thompson, DT
24.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (8-5)	Jarvis Jones, LB
25.	Houston Texans (10-3)	Mark Barron, S
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
27.	New York Giants (7-6)	Zach Brown, LB
28.	New England (via NO 10-3)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (10-3)	Courtney Upshaw, DE
30.	San Francisco 49ers (10-3)	Kendall Wright, WR
31.	New England Patriots (10-3)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (13-0)	Cordy Glenn, OG