Draft news from Mcshay

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Updated: Dec. 28, 2005, 5:21 PM ET

Stovall, Winston could be stealsBy Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.

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It's not uncommon for second-round draft picks to outperform their first-round counterparts as NFL rookies. For starters, second-round picks rarely hold out in training camp due to contract disputes.

Secondly, many second-round picks are first-round talents who wind up slipping on draft day due to character or medical concerns. Often times, these types of players enter the league with a chip on their shoulder and are out to prove the other 31 teams wrong for passing up on them.

ILB Kendrell Bell (Steelers) was a perfect example in 2001, as was Clinton Portis (Broncos) in 2002, Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) in 2003 and RB Julius Jones (Cowboys) in 2004.

The second round of the 2005 draft was arguably more fruitful than ever, as WR Reggie Brown (Eagles), DS Josh Bullocks (Saints), OT Michael Roos (Titans), ILB Lofa Tatupu (Seahawks), PK Mike Nugent (NY Jets), ILB Odell Thurman (Bengals), OT Marcus Johnson (Vikings), DS Nick Collins (Packers), DC/RS Darrent Williams (Broncos), DC/RS Justin Miller (NY Jets) and DE Jonathan Babineaux (Falcons) have all made significant impacts as rookies.

With that in mind, here's an early look at 10 potential Round 2 steals in the 2006 class:

Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama

USC's Matt Leinart is the clear-cut choice as the top quarterback prospect in the 2006 class and Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler is the fast-rising senior option behind him. Generally, the only other talk regarding the draft's most coveted position surrounds the upcoming decisions to be made by underclassmen Vince Young (Texas) and Brady Quinn (Notre Dame). But Croyle should not be overlooked. His long list of injuries and lack of bulk will cause him to slip on draft day, but Croyle has the arm strength, accuracy and intangibles to develop into a solid starting quarterback in the NFL.

Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

With as many as four first-round draft picks (USC's Reggie Bush and LenDale White, Memphis' DeAngelo Williams and Minnesota's Laurence Maroney) in this year's running back class, Addai is flying under the radar. He split carries throughout most of his career and was slowed during the second half of this season by injury. However, he garnered a great deal of attention from NFL scouts by rushing for 642 yards during a six-game span as a senior. His speed and pass-catching ability make him a potential every-down threat in the NFL.

Jason Avant, WR, Michigan

Lack of ideal speed will scare some teams off, but production speaks for itself. Possesses good size to go along with his outstanding hands and route-running skills. Answered a lot of questions by stepping up as the go-to-receiver without Braylon Edwards (Browns) this season.

Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame

Stovall came on strong under coach Charlie Weis' watch as a senior this season. His combination of size (6-4, 236), speed (4.55 40-yard dash) and athleticism is exceptional. Has drawn comparisons to Giants WR Plaxico Burress.

Eric Winston, OT, Miami-FL

Knee injury in 2004, combined with failed expectations in 2005, will lead to his freefall in the 2006 draft. However, the ex-tight end still possesses the frame, agility and work ethic to emerge as a good starter in the NFL -- at left or right tackle. He got stronger as his senior season progressed and he could return to form as a rookie in the NFL with another full offseason of strength and conditioning work.

Greg Eslinger, OC, Minnesota

His feet, intelligence, technique and athleticism are unparalleled in the 2006 center class. Will fit best in the NFL on a team that covets mobility and precision over size and strength. He has the zone-blocking experience to immediately contribute in a similar scheme; could be the perfect heir-apparent for OC Tom Nalen in Denver.

Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech

Shares a lot of similarities with Lions DE James Hall. Lacks ideal measurables, but his production at the collegiate level has been outstanding. He shows good initial burst, power and quickness. Also plays with a rare motor and exceptional instincts.

Gabe Watson, NT, Michigan

Massive two-gap DT/NT. Underachieved in college, but has the physical tools to develop into a space-eating, two-down starter in the NFL. Best fit is likely to be at the NT position in a 3-4 scheme.

Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State

Late-season injury and lack of explosive strength should keep him out of the first round. However, he has the size of a strong-side linebacker, the speed and cover skills of a weak-side linebacker and the pass-rushing ability of a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

DeMario Minter, DC, Georgia

Character concerns and a perceived lack of playmaking skills will cause him to slip, but he has the size, speed, athleticism and experience to contribute immediately as a No. 2 or No. 3 cover corner in the NFL. Also, he has kept his nose clean the last two years and is making more big plays as a senior.

Brodie- few words of advice..stay the hell away from Jests if you want a career.