Senior Bowl 2012: 7 Unsung Players Who Improved Their Draft Stock

By now you've probably heard all about how well the Senior Bowl's top NFL Draft prospects have fared in Mobile this week. The defensive end trio of Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingram and Quinton Coples have been all the rage and are certain first rounders. 

But what about the other 95 percent of players at the Senior Bowl? There are just a handful of players in Mobile expected to be selected in the first three rounds of April's NFL Draft. 

However, this week there have been a number of mid-to-late round prospects making some serious impressions on experts and scouts. Here are the top seven unsung players after a week of practice at the Senior Bowl. 

1. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

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Juron Criner came into this week of Senior Bowl practice with something to prove. He has proven it with almost every opportunity in Mobile. 

Criner catches everything that's thrown his way. The former Arizona Wildcat is not the most physically gifted wide receiver prospect and he'll have to improve on his 40-yard-dash time, but Criner says he has a new focus heading into the NFL Combine. 

"I'm definitely going back with a whole new focus," Criner said. "After getting a chance to take a peek at the competition, it definitely gives you a whole new motivation and concentration."

 

 

(All quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted)

2. Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State

Demario Davis has had a really good week in Mobile. The linebacker drilled really well and appeared to be a favorite of Vikings linebackers coach Mike Singletary. 

All week, Davis has shown the speed and quickness needed in pass rushing and coverage. He has likely improved his draft stock by a round or two, but he'll need to continue to build on his solid week as draft season progresses. 

3. Jaye Howard, DL, Florida

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Before getting hurt on Wednesday, Florida's Jaye Howard was quite impressive. Howard blew up offensive linemen in one-on-one drills Tuesday and was the talk of the afternoon by multiple experts and scouts. 

Howard is currently considered a sixth or seventh round pick, but building on Tuesday's stellar practice could mean Howard will rise as draft season continues. 

4. Mike Martin, DL, Michigan

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Michigan's Mike Martin looked every bit as tenacious and hard to handle as you would expect from a 6'1" 300-plus-pounder. Martin and Ohio State center Mike Brewster nearly came to blows on multiple occasions during Tuesday's practice.

On Wednesday, Martin had a really good day. He performed well in one-on-ones and had a constantly running motor. What Martin lacks in size he more than makes up for in strength and tenacity. 

5. Brad Smelley, TE, Alabama

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The Alabama tight end is a bit small to be considered a tight end at the next level, but Smelley has displayed a remarkable ability to catch anything and everything this week. 

He's not going to win any footraces and he's not physically intimidating, he just produces. Many experts expect Smelley to be a fullback at the next level. His size and ability to run with the football confirm that expectation.

With his ability to catch the football, Smelley could be a real threat out of the backfield.

6. Jack Crawford, DL, Penn State

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Jack Crawford was not considered a big time prospect by anyone coming into this week. Some even pondered why he was included on the Senior Bowl roster.

On Wednesday afternoon, Crawford showed why he was invited to the Senior Bowl.

Crawford blew up opposing offensive linemen in one-on-one drills. The former Nittany Lion showed an ability to flat-out dominate. He has to find some consistency, however, to move much higher than his mid-to-late round grade. 

7. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

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Terrance Ganaway has actually been a tad inconsistent this week, but his flashes combined with his size make the former Baylor running back an intriguing prospect. He looks like a stud running with the football. 

According to NFLDraftScout.com, however, Ganaway has more than a few issues in the pass protection department. Ganaway will remain an interesting prospect, but he has some work to do as draft season progresses.