While all of the discussion surrounding the NFL draft focuses on the first round selections, fans know that Super Bowl trophies can be won by what their team does in the later rounds.
These are five players who may not garner the attention during the first round but are the hidden gems in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Dan LeFevour – QB Central Michigan
Though LeFevour may not have the charisma of Tim Tebow or the arm of Sam Bradford, he has the making of a solid NFL quarterback. Blessed with prototypical NFL size, LeFevour showed he could throw the ball in college. In 2009 he completed 69.7% of his passes for 3,458 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
There is some concern that LeFevour doesn’t have the arm strength, ability to make adjustments and most importantly his accuracy with down the field passes. LeFevour may not make an impact right away, but if selected he has the potential to develop into something special.
Montario Hardesty – RB Tennessee
Maybe it was because his college career got off to a slow start due to injury and was buried in the depth charts at Tennessee. Either way, Hardesty made everyone take notice of him in 2009 with 1,345 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
NFL teams should keep an eye on this power runner who uses every bit of his 5’11”, 225-pound frame to make opponents wince when he hits them head on. Though he does not have blazing speed, he has the moves and quickness to survive in the NFL.
Danario Alexander – WR Missouri
Despite being the nation’s top receiver, Alexander has been overlooked due to a recent knee surgery and his limited college success. It is hard to look past his production in 2009 when he hauled in 107 receptions for 1,644 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Alexander has the right size and hands to become a play maker in the NFL. The team that selects Alexander is going to have a second or third round selection with first round talent.
Tyson Alualu – DE California
Although the lack of great bulk or height has dissuaded some of the NFL scouts from giving Alualu serious consideration for an early draft selection, he showed in college that he could be a major force on the defensive line.
In selecting Alualu, an NFL team will have a lineman who is solid against the run and is able to apply constant pressure on the opposing quarterback with a variety of moves.
Jerome Murphy – CB South Florida
Even though Murphy played in the Big East, his performance on the football field as a hard hitting cornerback should not go unnoticed by NFL fans.
Murphy used his 6’1”, 195-pound frame and quickness to record 73 tackles and 4 interceptions during his senior season. He has the potential to develop into a solid cornerback after spending a year or two learning at the pro ranks.
