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5 under-the-radar prospects who could make an immediate impact

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

By this point in the pre-draft process, football fans have heard everything they need to know about the top prospects making the jump to the NFL.

The players selected in the first few rounds historically stand the best chance at putting together a successful career, but there are also countless examples of mid-to-late-round players wasting little time before proving their evaluators wrong.

Here's a look at five under-the-radar prospects who could have an immediate impact at football's highest level.

Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan

Braverman's size - 5-foot-10, 177 pounds - will almost certainly push him into the latter portion of this draft. But players with his skill set undoubtedly have a place in today's pass-oriented league.

Comparisons to Wes Welker are thrown out there far too often, but this one may be appropriate.The Western Michigan product uses his incredible short-area quickness to separate from defenders with relative ease. A team with an established passing attack could use him in the slot from Day 1.

Tyvis Powell, S, Ohio State

Powell is flying under the radar due largely to the fact that he's not one of the many Ohio State players slated to come off the board in the early rounds. As a defensive back who excels in coverage, though, perhaps he should be earning more attention.

With ideal size and athleticism for the position, in addition to the proven play-making ability, Powell is an ideal fit as a deep center-field free safety at the next level. At a time when safety play is a widespread issue throughout the league, it should come as no surprise if he carves out a role for himself early on.

Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State

Following his electrifying 2015 campaign for the New England Patriots, teams around the league will be looking for a player like Dion Lewis. They may have one in Ervin.

Much like Lewis, Ervin's lack of size could make it difficult for him to take on an every-down workload at the next level. But his explosiveness, lateral agility, and catching ability out of the backfield should give him every opportunity to contribute as a passing-down specialist. Ervin racked up an impressive 1,935 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage as a senior.

Willie Henry, DT, Michigan

A deep class of defensive tackle prospects is pushing some intriguing talent further down the board. Henry, seemingly in line for a mid-round selection, is one who could vastly outplay his draft position as a rookie.

His combination of an explosive first step and clear strength at the point of attack should go a long way toward maintaining his pass-rush production amid a transition to the NFL. Henry is a natural fit for the three-technique spot in a 4-3 front.

Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State

Carson Wentz isn't the only NDSU prospect garnering interest from pro scouts. Haeg was a four-year starter on the offensive front, spending his first two seasons at right tackle before flipping to the left side.

Landing with a team that utilizes a zone-blocking scheme would streamline his adjustment from the FCS to the professional level. The Seattle Seahawks, a club seemingly unwilling to use premium assets to address its clear need at the position, could be an ideal landing spot at some point on Day 3 of this draft.

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