2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Prospects Are Shining in Bowl Games?

Now that the new year is upon us, it's time to shift some focus towards the 2012 NFL draft.

We all know the names of the top prospects, and those who will play in the big-time bowl games. But some prospects have already finished their bowl experiences and have performed up to expectations.

Here is a look at some of the draft's top prospects who have have shined in their bowl games.

Chris Polk, Running Back, Washington

I currently have Washington's Chris Polk as the third running back on my board behind Alabama's Trent Richardson and Miami's Lamar Miller. In the offensive explosion that was the Alamo Bowl, Polk did nothing to dissuade me of that spot.

Polk ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries for the Huskies in their 67-56 loss to Baylor. Polk showed in the bowl game that he can be a true workhorse back, the same as he has all season. This year for Washington Polk rushed for 1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns on 293 carries. He added 332 yards and four touchdowns on 31 catches. 

Polk is a versatile back who can do it all and will make some NFL team very happy on draft day.

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Speaking of that ridiculous Alamo Bowl game, Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III had himself a nice night as well.

Baylor's quarterback completed 24 of 33 passes for 295 yards, with a touchdown and no interceptions. He also ran the ball 18 times for 55 yards and another score. Griffin led a Bears team that racked up 777 yards of total offense, and much of that came because of the run-pass threat he posed to Washington's defense.

Now that he has reportedly decided to turn pro, Griffin is almost certain to be a top 10 pick. His performance in the Alamo Bowl only further solidified his status.

Zach Brown, Linebacker, North Carolina

While the North Carolina Tar Heels didn't have a great day in their 41-24 Independence Bowl loss to the Missouri Tigers, linebacker Zach Brown continued to look like a first-rounder by consistently ending up around the ball. 

Brown finished the game with 14 tackles and an interception. It continued what was a phenomenal year for the 22-year-old, as he finished the season with 105 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three interceptions.

At 6'2" and 230 pounds Brown doesn't possess ideal size, but he is a playmaker on the defensive end. While the rest of his defense was getting smoked, Brown was doing his best to keep the game close.

Don't be surprised if he sneaks into the back of the first-round thanks to consistent performances like he had in the bowl game.

Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

UCLA didn't have a chance to stop Whitney Mercilus. The Illinois defensive end continued his outstanding season by racking up five tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks during the Illini's 20-14 win in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

Mercilus finished the season with 57 tackles and led the nation with 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles. He also won the Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award.

At 6'4" and 265 pounds, Mercilus would probably best fit as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. A team like the Seattle Seahawks would probably be his best fit, but a number of 4-3 teams will surely take a look at him. 

I expect Mercilus to come off the board early in the second round.

Full 2012 Mock Draft

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Alfonzo Dennard
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon	18. San Diego Chargers: Peter Konz
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil	19. Chicago Bears: Mike Adams
4.Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson	20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Mark Barron
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	22.New York Giants: Vontaze Burfict
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery	23. Denver Broncos: Devon Still
8. Carolina Panthers: Dre Kirkpatrick	24. Cleveland Browns: Nick Toon
9. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff	25. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown
10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright
11. Seattle Seahawks: Lamar Miller	27. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Ingram
12. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro	28. New England Patriots: Jared Crick
13. Arizona Cardinals: Cordy Glenn	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dontari Poe
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mohamed Sanu
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Floyd	31. New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore
16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw	32. Green Bay Packers: Quinton Coples