Fiesta Bowl 2012: Top Draft Prospects on Both Teams

We already know how good these two teams are.  We know how close Oklahoma State got to a title shot against LSU.  We already know we can expect points, maybe not Baylor-Washington or Wisconsin-Oregon points, but they are two powerfully built offenses.

This is more than a bowl game for a number of players with aspirations at the next level.

Stanford Cardinal

Andrew Luck, QB

Andrew luck is the "all-in" No. 1 overall pick, whether the Colts take him themselves or trade the pick to a number of suitors.  There isn't any room for him to gain in this game.  Just the same, there isn't anywhere for him to fall.  There is no type of game Luck could have to affect his draft position, barring some type of horrific injury.  Just buckle up and enjoy watching him work.

Coby Fleener, TE

Coby Fleener is looked at by many as the No.2 tight end available in this year's draft behind Clemson's Dwayne Allen.  He is 6'6", 245 lbs. and has great hands and route running ability.  He's a hybrid type tight end who is a serviceable blocker as well. 

He had somewhat of a coming-out party in the Orange Bowl last season with three touchdown catches against Virginia Tech.  He will be a coveted player come draft day, especially with the position's resurgence with guys like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham being so utilized in two of the league's top offenses. 

Fleener had eight touchdowns as a junior and followed that up with 10 touchdowns this season.  He also has one of those high school basketball backgrounds that makes him perfect for jump balls and helps him position himself for catches.

David DeCastro, G

David DeCastro is part of the reason Luck can look so good.  DeCastro is 6'5", 312 lbs. and also the reason the Cardinal can run the ball so well.  He is used as a pulling guard on the majority of their run plays and plows linebackers over.  His good foot speed will make him a great pulling guard at the next level as well.

He is also superb in pass protection, getting beat only on the rarest of occasions.  He is also a character guy that would compliment any NFL offensive line.  Take a good look at him if you can, he is just a redshirt junior, but he will likely be hovering around a mid first round pick.

Jonathan Martin, T

Martin is another cog in the Andrew Luck machine.  He may be the most important though; he protects his blind side.  Talk about pressure, protecting the NFL's No.1 pick all season long.  He is 6'6", 305 lbs.

He is known for being quick off the line and having good lateral movement.  Right now, he sits around the No. 3 tackle prospect behind USC's Matt Kalil and Iowa's Riley Reiff. He could be around a mid first round pick as well.

Stanford Notables: Delano Howell, SS;  Matthew Masifilo, DE;  Michael Thomas, FS

Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon, WR

Justin Blackmon will, like Andrew Luck, be the top player taken at his position.  He is a game-breaking athlete and has the size and talent that enable him to be used in a number of ways.  He is 6'1", 215 lbs. and a very physical runner after the catch, making him perfect for screens like former OSU standout Dez Bryant.

He can solidify some of the minuscule doubts there are around him with a stellar game, but as a back-to-back Biletnikoff winner his resume speaks for itself. 

Markelle Martin, FS/SS

Markelle Martin is seen by many as the top free safety prospect entering the draft.  He has excellent range and is a big-time hitter.  This is a big game for him to prove his worth.  In the past, he got his name out there from his Bowl performances.

Last year in the Alamo Bowl he won player of the game honors with four tackles, two pass breakups and a 62-yard interception return for a touchdown.  The year prior, he had nine tackles and a pass breakup in the Cotton Bowl.

He is 6'1", 198 lbs. and uses his body well for vicious blows and is very good in coverage. He would not be a liability in man coverage at the next level, but does excel in zone.

Brandon Weeden, QB

Brandon Weeden was a big beneficiary of Blackmon's abilities and averaged 360 yards passing per game.  He won't be near the top of the quarterback board in the upcoming draft, but at age 28 he will be looked at in the middle to late rounds as an experienced rookie.

In the Fiesta Bowl, he can help his stock with smart play and by showcasing some NFL throws against a good opponent.  He gets his numbers every game; scouts will be looking to see the leadership intangibles and mechanics with him. 

Oklahoma State Notables: Grant Garner, C;  Richetti Jones, DE