Second-rounders with first-class potential. (Insider: NFL).

Teams unexpectedly struck gold with their picks in the second round during the last two NFL drafts.

In 2000, the second round yielded Steelers right tackle Marvel Smith, Saints left end Darren Howard and Dolphins right tackle Todd Wade. Each made a significant impact as a rookie.

The supply was even deeper last year. Bears running back Anthony Thomas, Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell, Redskins cornerback Fred Smoot and Dolphins receiver Chris Chambers were among a large group of second-rounders who contributed quickly and greatly.

The potential is there for teams to strike it rich again this year with these players projected to go in the second round.

DeShaun Foster, RB, UCLA. Unlike Miami's Clinton Portis, who is slightly undersized, or Georgia Southern's Adrian Peterson, who played in a Division I-AA program, Foster is physically and mentally ready to play immediately.

Foster doesn't have the explosiveness of Boston College's William Green or the size-and-power combination of Michigan State's T.J. Duckett. That's why Foster isn't expected to go in the first round.

However, much like Thomas did at Michigan before going to the Bears, Foster carried the load at a big-time college program for multiple seasons and knows the pressures of the job.