NFL Draft 2012: First-Rounders Who Improved Their Draft Stock in Bowl Games

Bowl season is the last chance for NFL draft prospects to make their mark on the field before heading over to the combine.

Headed into bowl season, three college stars were late first-round or fringe first-round prospects, but greatly increased their chances of being selected in the top 32.

Here they are.

Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

Fletcher Cox has been steadily rising up draft boards this season, and in the Music City Bowl against Wake Forest, he did not disappoint.

Cox, who displays impress strength and athleticism, racked up seven tackles and one sack against Wake Forest.

I could see him going to the Green Bay Packers at No. 32 overall.

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Melvin Ingram is quick, strong and explosive, and at this point it looks like he's a lock for the first round.

Against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, Ingram registered four tackles and 1.5 sacks, giving him 10 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss on the season.

Ingram will only rise up draft boards after the combine.

Whitney Mercilus, DL, Illinois

I guess you could say this big-time defensive lineman is mercilus.

Whitney Mercilus has exploded up draft boards this season after emerging on Illinois as one of the nation's top pass-rushers.

After recording five tackles and 1.5 sacks against UCLA in the Hunger Bowl, Mercilus finished with 57 tackles and 16 sacks this season.

I can't wait to see this kid in the NFL.