5 College Football Studs Who Improved 2013 NFL Draft Stock During Bowl Season

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Bowl season is one of the final opportunities for players dreaming of reaching the NFL to improve their chances of making that dream come true.

While some disappointed under the pressure, others helped their cause tremendously. These players left it all on the field, and a higher place in the NFL draft will likely be their reward.

So, which players best helped their stock in the 2013 NFL Draft? Read on.

DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

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When Sammy Watkins went down on only the second offensive play of the game, it fell upon DeAndre Hopkins to step up against a formidable LSU defense.

And he knocked it out of the park.

Hopkins had 13 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns against the LSU Tigers. His solid performance likely had a huge part in his decision to leave college early and head to the NFL.

Chance Warmack, Alabama

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Chance Warmack always got a ton of attention from NFL scouts due to his dominant blocking ability. However, pushing around Notre Dame defenders like they were high school players on college football's biggest stage can't help but improve his already high standing with NFL scouts.

Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

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While it's hard to not be impressed by Johnny Manziel's masterful performance against Oklahoma, NFL scouts noticed offensive lineman Luke Joeckel's dominance more. 

In fact, he's a popular first overall pick in many mock drafts now. He was always up there, but watching Joeckel protect Manziel's back sealed the deal. After all, even a Heisman winner like Johnny Football needs someone to watch his back in order to do what he does.

NFL scouts surely must hope that he'll be able to protect against NFL defenses.

Eddie Lacy, Alabama

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Eddie Lacy's season was solid, but many had felt he hadn't done enough to ensure that he would be selected in the early rounds of the NFL draft before the BCS National Championship Game.

His performance in the title game changed all of that.

Lacy might not end up being a first-round draft pick like Trent Richardson, but his powerful performance against Notre Dame certainly helped. It seemed like no one could stop him.

That's what NFL scouts like to see.

Alex Okafor, Texas

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It's hard to have a better day than Alex Okafor had against Oregon State. He was almost unstoppable against the Beaver offensive line and picked up 4.5 sacks on the day.

There's a whole lot of competition at that defensive end/outside linebacker position in this year's draft, so Okafor really needed to have the type of day that he had to help separate himself from the pack.