LB James-Michael Johnson

Potential NFL Draft Steals

Projected Round: 3-4

Somebody is going to get a starting linebacker (middle or strongside) after the first round. JMJ, a standout at Nevada, has the size to get off blocks and make plays. (AP Photo)

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Diamonds in the ... By Jordan Raanan
Xfinity Sports

The NFL Draft is more than just the 32 picks in the first round. This year there will be 231 players selected after Thursday's opening round. That leaves ample opportunity for teams to find something special in Rounds 2-7. Here are some players I believe will make an impact despite not being drafted in the first round. (AP Photo)

Jordan Raanan has covered the NFL since 2005. Follow him on Twitter at @JordanRaanan or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
TE Ladarius Gree... Projected Round: 3-4

Green's a bit raw, having played at Louisiana-Lafayette. But his athleticism, as evidenced by his 4.52 speed and 10'4" broad jump, is impressive. With some tutoring and seasoning, he could be the next Jermichael Finley. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
RB LaMichael Jam... Projected Round: 2-3

Most scouts do not consider the diminutive James a feature, carry-the-load back. Doesn't matter. Versatile running backs have significant value in the NFL, especially when you can run, catch and make people miss like James. Someone could be getting the next Darren Sproles in the second or third round. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
DE/LB Shea McCle... Projected Round: 1-2

NFL Films' Greg Cosell sees him developing into a "dynamic pass rusher" in the NFL. I concur. He's a bargain anywhere outside the Top 15. (AP Photo/Aaron Ontivero)

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WR Mohamed Sanu Projected Round: 2

Size cannot be taught. Sanu (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) is solid, with good hands and strength. Forty times aren't everything when it comes to wide receivers, especially when it comes to being a force in the red zone. Sanu could become some team's Marques Colston. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
QB Russell Wilso... Projected Round: 3-4

If he were two inches taller, Wilson would be a first-round pick. Instead, he'll get drafted in the middle rounds, be a solid backup and a successful spot starter at some point in his career. Considering the importance of the position, Wilson is a great pick in the middle rounds. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
CB Josh Robinson Projected Round: 2

Despite being on the shorter side (5-foot-10) and with some technique flaws, Robinson is fast and physical, two talents that will make him one of the best corners down the line in this draft. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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LB Ronnell Lewis Projected Round: 2-3

Fluid athlete will wreak havoc as a 3-4 outside linebacker. As long as he checks out physically, Lewis is a bargain outside the first round. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
LB James-Michael... Projected Round: 3-4

Somebody is going to get a starting linebacker (middle or strongside) after the first round. JMJ, a standout at Nevada, has the size to get off blocks and make plays. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
DE/DT Akiem Hick... Projected Round: 6-7

Hicks (6-foot-5, 318 pounds) is an intriguing prospect. He played his college football in Canada at Regina after being ruled ineligible at LSU. He wasn't a dominating force at Regina, but with different rules and better coaching, Hicks can grow into a very good 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle. There was a reason (talent) Les Miles wanted him in Baton Rouge. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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S Antonio Allen Projected Round: 4-5

Allen is a natural playmaker. That's why South Carolina played him in its "spur" position, a hybrid safety/linebacker spot in its defense. A little raw in coverage, it may take Allen some time, but he has the skills to evolve into a difference-making safety in the mold of Brian Dawkins. (AP Photo/Frederick Breedon)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.