Senior Bowl 2012: 10 Players Shooting Up the Draft Boards

My other article focused on the players who hurt their draft stock the most during the Senior Bowl. As depressing as it was writing that article, we have to draw conclusions about players based on their specific performances—and some just didn't get it done. 

This article is going to be somewhat more optimistic, as I am going to take a look at 10 players who are shooting up the draft board after great performances today. 

Nick Foles, QB, Arizona 

By far the most impressive quarterback in the 2012 Senior Bowl, Nick Foles might have played himself into first-round conversation. He showed really good pocket awareness, was strong stepping into the throw and showed really good touch. 

What I liked the most about Foles is that he didn't hesitate on passes to the outside and showed confidence in that rather strong arm. He stepped up well when pressure came from the outside and made multiple NFL-caliber throws. 

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State 

The most impressive of a solid Senior Bowl running back group, Doug Martin really showed a great amount of versatility in the backfield today. He was strong in the blocking game, looked to run really good routes when asked to and showed brilliant field awareness on a consistent basis. 

Following his Senior Bowl performance and what has been a solid week in front of scouts, Martin will probably shoot up the draft boards. At this point I am contemplating giving him a late first- or early second-round grade. 

Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State 

Didn't make a lot of plays today, but had the opportunity to if the quarterbacks had been on spot. I made a point in watching Quick's route running throughout the game, even rewinding my DVR to catch certain aspects of his game. 

One thing is for sure. Quick already has an NFL-ready technique on the outside and gains separation on a consistent basis about five-to-six yards off the line of scrimmage. 

I am going to want to see how he performs against press coverage, but right now I would conclude that Quick has second-round value. 

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State 

Completely dominated Melvin Ingram and other speed-rushers today. Mike Adams showed the ability to handle the bull rush when against defensive tackles and had a great performance in terms of lateral movement technique. 

If there was any question in regards to how Adams would handle NFL-caliber pass-rushers, they were answered today. He is going to be an elite tackle at the next level and just broke in to my top 15. 

Mike Martin, DL, Michigan 

Really good under-the-radar performance by Mike Martin. He continually threw Ben Jones into the offensive backfield with brute strength, completely dominating the Georgia offensive lineman. Martin also showed the ability to get to the quarterback, coming up with a couple pressures. 

Versatility is key when it comes to the defensive line in the NFL. Martin showed today that he can play outside in the 3-4 and move inside in the 4-3. That is extremely important in regards to his draft stock. 

Vinny Curry, DE/LB, Marshall

Athleticism was a key future of Vinny Curry's game heading into the Senior Bowl, and he didn't disappoint. The former Marshall star dominated slower offensive linemen, blew up running backs whose feeble attempts at blocking were hilarious and got to the quarterback multiple times. 

He has shown the ability to stand up in a 3-4 and play with his hands down in a 4-3. Curry has really started to remind me a great deal of Aldon Smith. 

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Although his game wasn't flashy today, Courtney Upshaw was all around the ball and showed why many people consider him to be as versatile as they come. He can easily play in both the 4-3 and 3-4 scheme, rushing the quarterback and dropping back into coverage. 

What I liked the most in regards to Upshaw was the fact that he really understood what was going on during specific situations, found himself in a position to make plays consistently and exhibited a strong ability to dominate one on one. 

His stock as a top-10 pick was only confirmed after today's performance. 

Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State 

The most impressive player in the Senior Bowl, no matter position. Bobby Wagner looked extraordinary in coverage, ran down running backs out of the backfield and shredded up would-be blockers on a consistent basis. 

Don't look now, but the former Utah State standout might be considered a late first-round pick. 

Sean Spence, LB, Miami (FL) 

Much like Wagner, Sean Spence was great in coverage today. He showed elite athleticism going up against running backs and tight ends. He quickly closed throwing lanes and showed great lateral movement between the hashes. 

A rare four-year player at Miami (FL), Spence is already an NFL-caliber linebacker. Despite the fact that his upside might not be too great, the linebacker showed me he is a second-round talent. 

Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

Fleming completely overshadowed players like Janoris Jenkins at the corner position. Jamell Fleming looked like a true shutdown corner today. He stayed with receivers on the outside, quickly closed gaps downfield, read the quarterback well and came up with two huge plays. 

His interception was impressive. However, I like the strip that Jamell Fleming came up with in the first quarter. This showed some tremendous instincts on the outside and reminded me a great deal of Charles Woodson. 

Definitely a first-round grade now. 

Conclusion

There were a lot of impressive performances during the Senior Bowl today, and I could have come up with a list of about 20. However, this dwindles down that list and gives you the players who really stood out during the All-Star game. 

Look for these 10 players to continue this momentum into their pro days and the NFL scouting combine. Really impressive performances all the way around.