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Mid-Round Players Who Will Make An Immediate Impact

Just because a player is picked after the third round doesn’t mean they can’t make an immediate impact.

John Owning

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From top to bottom, this year’s NFL draft is not on the same level as last year, which has led to some referring to the talent level in this draft as poor. While that may be the case, there are still impact players to be had throughout the draft.

Last year’s players like Aaron Lynch, Corey Lindsey, Telvin Smith and E.J. Gaines were all players selected in the latter half of the 2014 NFL draft who made a significant impact on their respective teams in their rookie years.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the mid-round players who will make similar impacts in this year’s draft.

Damarious Randall, Safety, Arizona State

With the proliferation of three wide receiver sets and the spread offense, a safety who understands how to play coverage is extremely valuable. While Randall doesn’t have ideal size (5-foot-11 and 197 pounds) for a safety, he does have ideal coverage skills.

Randall has the range to play in the center field and the athleticism to even come down and cover a receiver or tight end in the slot. Randall needs to work on some of his footwork as he tends to take some false steps, but that is correctable.

At worst, Randall will be an elite special-teams player as he was extremely effective on special teams at Arizona State. However, Randall’s coverage and playmaking ability could lead to him winning a starting job as a free safety if he goes to the right situation.

In a league that is in desperate need of competent coverage safeties, Randall could be one of the players who can help fill that need.

Paul Dawson, Linebacker, TCU

Before the combine, Paul Dawson was a consensus late-first or early-second round pick; however, a pitiful combine performance has caused his draft stock to be in free fall.

Nevertheless, Dawson’s college tape showed a player who could excel in the NFL. Dawson’s combine is kind of reminiscent of former Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who ended up going undrafted, but has been a great player for the Cincinnati Bengals.

On the field, Dawson has great instincts and a nose for the football. He knows how to stay clean and not allow blockers to engage him as he slips past them to the ball carrier.

Dawson could be one of the biggest steals of the draft, as he might not even get picked until late-day three. Nevertheless, Dawson is a great football player; despite what his combine numbers may say.

Kenny Bell, Wide Receiver, Nebraska

Quite possibly the most underrated player in this whole draft is Nebraska’s Kenny Bell. To put it simply, he is just a very good football player. Bell is probably the best blocking receiver in this entire class as he made extremely difficult blocks throughout his career at Nebraska.

As a receiver, Bell showcases an understanding of the full route tree, but he will need to tighten up his break and the way he creates separation at the top of his routes. He will have some focus drops, but all in all, Bell has soft hands and reliable hands as he made numerous catches in a variety of difficult situations.

Furthermore, Bell will likely make a huge impact as a special-teamer in the NFL. Bell will go down and make plays covering punts and kicks and he is a dynamic kick and punt returner as well.

The fact of the matter is that whoever drafts Bell will get a great football player who will make a significant impact in a variety of areas for years to come.

Xavier Williams, Defensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

Turn on Northern Iowa’s tape and there is no doubt that you will notice Xavier Williams very quickly. At 6-foot-2 and 309 pounds, Williams not only has the size you want in a defensive tackle, but he has a bunch of traits that should allow him to succeed in the NFL.

Unlike the other players in this article, Williams has little chance to start his rookie year. However, he could make a considerable impact as a sub-package nose tackle initially. Williams has surprising quickness for a man of his stature and he combines it with the length and strength that is necessary to keep NFL offensive lineman at bay.

He needs to clean up his hands a little bit as he tends to get a little wide, which limits his reach advantage. However, he can mitigate those mistakes with his non-stop motor, as he will give his all for every play he is in the game.

As teams play against more up-tempo offenses, there is a growing necessity to utilize a good rotation on your defensive line. This is where Williams could step in and make a large impact in 2015.

Malcolm Brown, Running Back, Texas

Coming out of high school, Malcolm Brown was one of the most heralded recruits in the country. However, a disappointing career at Texas has him projected as a day three pick, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a better pro than he was in college.

At 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds, Brown is a thickly built player who really packs a punch. He is an extremely strong running back who can organically create power without needing to create a ton of momentum. He churns out the tough yards and he will be a valuable asset as a short-yardage and red-zone running back.

He doesn’t have any long speed to speak of, but he can consistently gain positive and really wear on opposing defenses. He has done well in zone- and power-running schemes, which bodes well for his prospects in the NFL.

Overall, Brown could be the next in a long line of late-round picks who surprised everyone and makes a huge impact for some NFL team his rookie year.

 

John Owning is a NFL columnist for Football Insiders. He has years of experience covering the NFL, NFL draft and NCAA football. John's work has been featured on the Bleacher Report and DraftBreakdown.com

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