NFL Draft: Undervalued second-rounders

With the NFL Draft only weeks away, here is a look at five players mainly targeted as second-round picks who have an argument to be taken in the first round.

The skinny: Thomas, from Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft, was a four-star prospect and the No. 36 wide receiver in the 2011 class. In his prep year at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy, Thomas was rated fourth in the postseason rankings. Because of his grandmother's death close to National Signing Day, Thomas decided to postpone any commitment because he did not take official visits. At Fork Union, Thomas roomed with QB Cardale Jones and both ended up at Ohio State.

Farrell’s take: Thomas was a college-ready receiver as a four-star out of prep school in 2012 and each year at Ohio State he added something to his repertoire. As a big and physical receiver, he’s rising on my list as the draft approaches after Laquon Treadwell’s rough Pro Day and a lack of size at the position this year. A very confident kid who wants the ball and has a great inner drive, Thomas would be a nice late pick for someone in round one.

The skinny: Bullard was a five-star prospect and the top-ranked strong-side defensive end in the 2012 class out of Shelby (N.C.) Crest. He was ranked sixth overall and second in the North Carolina state rankings behind OL D.J. Humphries, who also signed with Florida. The five-star Bullard committed to Florida over Clemson, South Carolina and many others at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Farrell’s take: Bullard was a raw prospect out of high school with off-the-charts athleticism and basketball footwork and in college he grew into a big interior lineman who can also play end in a 3-4 scheme. He’s very active, can make plays in space and is one of the better pass rushers in a loaded defensive tackle class. His versatility and athletic ability would make him a solid first-rounder and if this draft weren’t so deep at his position, he’d land there. He’s a second-round grade by most that will be a first-round talent.

The skinny: Miller was the top-rated dual-threat quarterback and No. 34 overall in the 2011 class. He was the top recruit in the Ohio state rankings. Miller committed to Ohio State in June before his senior year over offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, Notre Dame, USC and many others.

Farrell’s take: Miller was an athletic quarterback coming out of high school who was also a four-star athlete with his ability to make plays in space. However, there was nothing in high school that made us believe he could make such a fluid transition to wide receiver. He’s been mentioned by some as a first-rounder, but most have him in round two. As he continues to learn the position and hone his craft, he has a great chance to be a dominant NFL prospect. We might look back on this pick and wonder how he slipped out of round one, if he does.

The skinny: Kelly committed to the Crimson Tide in the summer before his senior season over offers from Florida, Florida State, Cincinnati and others.

Farrell’s Take: The best pure center in the draft, Kelly will probably slide out of the first round unless someone sees a great need at the position late. The former three-star is a technician in the middle of the line, an excellent run blocker and can obviously make all the line calls in a pro-style offense. He strikes me as a surefire 10-year NFL guy with a few Pro Bowls in there.

The skinny: Smith was the top-rated outside linebacker and the third-best prospect in the 2013 class behind Robert Nkemdiche and Vernon Hargreaves III. Considered arguably the best signee of the Brian Kelly era, Smith committed to Notre Dame in June before his senior year. Ohio State and USC were the other finalists.

Farrell’s Take: We all know Smith was a first-round talent prior to his knee injury. While some had him in the top five prior to hurting his knee, I had him more in the 15-25 range but regardless he was a surefire day one pick. He could freefall in the draft, but someone with some smarts will take him in round two and, if he recovers completely, will get a first-round talent.