2012 NFL Draft Projections: Ryan Tannehilll and Underrated Offensive Studs

The 2012 NFL draft class took a hit last week when Matt Barkley announced that he was going to return to USC for his senior season. But overall, this is still a good group that has the potential to provide a lot of quality players that get selected late in the first round. 

We have seen in years past that quality players can be found anywhere, but rarely has there been this much depth to a draft. There are going to be several big-time college players taken in the back half of the first round.

So who are these mystery players that will make your favorite team look smart on draft day?

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

While the Aggies had a disappointing season overall, Tannehill showed a lot to make himself a late first-round selection. His numbers were good—3,415 yards and 28 touchdowns—and his skills really took a step forward. 

He strikes me as someone who can be like an Andy Dalton kind of quarterback. I am not saying that he will step into the NFL and throw for 3,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns. But he has similar skills based on where they were coming out of college.

His biggest problem is just staying focused on the game. He has had problems with that in college, and if that continues at the next level, he will never have consistent success.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

As great as Robert Griffin III has been this season, Wright is the unsung hero for that Baylor offense. He has terrific speed, though he is not a burner. He can make plays as well as any receiver in this draft class not named Justin Blackmon. 

Wright is probably going to be the fourth or fifth receiver taken in this draft, but he could make an instant impact as a slot receiver and eventually grow into a very good No. 2.

He is shorter than you would like to see an NFL receiver at 5'10", but his speed and playmaking ability make up for his less-than-ideal measurements.

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

With Trent Richardson getting all the publicity for running backs in this draft class, Wilson is not getting the hype that he deserves. He is not as exciting as Richardson, but he does have the potential to be a star in the NFL. 

He has the speed to run past defenders and the size to make them miss when they do catch up to him. 

The only thing that hurts Wilson's stock is the fact that he is a running back. That position has been devalued in the draft in recent years, and unless you are the next Adrian Peterson, it is going to be hard to get taken in the first 15 to 20 picks. 

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