On many draft picks, NFL front offices are faced with the dilemma of whether they want the most proven player or the player with the most potential. A polished prospect might be ready to step in next fall, but the player with more raw talent might have the potential for a longer, more impactful career.

When shaping a roster, unpolished players with known potential are often labeled as “high ceiling.” Many 2016 SEC draftees, included some who have yet to be picked, fit that profile.

Picked in Rounds 1-3

  • DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche’s freakish athleticism has been known since he was a five-star recruit in the class of 2013. When Nkemdiche put it all together, he looked like a No. 1 overall pick, but he only flashed that greatness sporadically. While reviewing his film, NFL analysts called him out on not finishing plays and taking plays off. There’s also off-the-field question marks that were brought to the forefront with his December arrest in Atlanta. For those reasons, the Arizona Cardinals were able to draft him at pick No. 29. If Nkemdiche matures off the field and gives it his all on the field, he arguably has the highest ceiling of any player in the 2016 rookie class.
  • OL Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M: Ifedi didn’t play with the best technique, but that did not stop Seattle from taking him at pick No. 31, the final pick of the first round. The Seahawks recognized that Ifedi has two important qualities that cannot be taught: size and athleticism. Any offensive lineman who measures 6-foot-5, 324 pounds and can move well has the potential to become a premiere player.
  • RB Kenyan Drake, Alabama: It doesn’t take a diehard NFL fan to know there’s more to the running back position than carrying the football. If you’ve played fantasy football lately, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of NFL offenses are getting running backs more involved in the passing game. By selecting Drake, Miami gets a versatile running back who won’t be subject to power-back burnout like his Alabama teammate, Derrick Henry. Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill should be thrilled with what Drake brings to the passing attack.
  • CB Brandon Williams, Texas A&M: Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis urged Williams, a former running back, to give cornerback a try in 2015. Williams had a shaky year at his new position, but has undeniable athletic ability. Arizona deemed Williams’ talent and potential worthy of a third-round pick, and now the Cardinals coaches will try to mold him into an NFL cornerback.

Available on Day 3

  • DE Alex McCalister, Florida: At 6-foot-6, 239 pounds with an arm length of 36 inches, McCalister makes for quite the threat on the edge with his quick initial burst. As a pure pass rusher, McCalister won’t be drafted ahead of more dynamic disruptors on the d-line who can also stop the run. With the right fit, however, McCalister could be looking at a very productive career wrapping up quarterbacks and bringing them to the ground.
  • WR Marquez North, Tennessee: North’s injury issues are an obvious concern, as he missed multiple games in both his sophomore and junior seasons, but a good Combine reminds teams of potential, and North definitely has that. At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds with 40-yard dash times of 4.48 (Combine) and 4.42 (Tennessee Pro Day), North could be a late-round steal if he stays healthy at the next level.
  • WR Demarcus Robinson, Florida: Robinson might not have the reputation as the biggest, tallest or fastest wideout in the draft, but he has a solid mix of all three attributes that make him one of the most talented receivers in the draft based on film alone. His game tape is even more impressive considering that in his three years at UF one first-string quarterback was injured and benched while the other was suspended. Robinson’s trip to drug rehab as a freshman and frequent suspensions last season will keep him from being drafted where he belongs based on talent. If Robinson can stay focused, one team is getting a gifted athlete with good hands who could have a productive career as a possession receiver.