2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Senior Bowl Prospects Could See Huge Boost?

Prior to the NFL combine, the Senior Bowl is a great time for draft prospects to get some solid exposure and recognition.

After all, being that everyone is a senior, those who play in this game are likely to face off next fall. That being said, here are some seniors who could see their draft status increase thanks to this bowl game.

Brandon Boykin: CB, Georgia

Currently slated as a late second- to early third-round pick, Georgia corner Brandon Boykin is overshadowed by an insanely good junior class with players like Morris Claiborn, Dre Kirkpatrick and Jayron Hosley.

Well, Boykin has a lot of potential and is a shutdown defensive back.

Each of the past three seasons he's recorded three interceptions and he also forced two fumbles in 2011. Compiling 137 tackles between each of the previous three years, Boykin may be slightly undersized, however, he's a better tackler than given credit for.

In addition to his defensive skill set, Boykin served as Georgia's kick returner the last three years and averaged 886 yards each season. Returning four kicks back in total, Boykin pulled double-duty and was also the punt returner in 2011.

There, Boykin collected 180 yards on 32 returns, including one TD and a long return of 92 yards. On top of all this, he was a reserve receiver in 2011 and caught five passes for 71 yards and scored two TDs.

Boykin also ran the ball seven times for 103 yards, as well as scoring once there.

So all this being said, provided that Brandon Boykin has an opportunity to return kicks/punts in addition to playing defense this Senior Bowl, his status could boost up to a high second-rounder if not early first-rounder by late April.

Kellen Moore: QB, Boise State

Despite being college football's all-time winningest quarterback with a 50-3 record, Boise State's Kellen Moore is only expect to be a late sixth-rounder/early seventh-rounder at best this draft.

Well, although his competition in the Mountain West Conference is obviously not nearly as difficult as others, his numbers shouldn't be degraded. In 2010, Moore completed 71.3 percent of his passes and threw 35 TDs to just six picks.

He was a Heisman finalist and compiled 3,845 yards in 2010. That season, he had the luxury of throwing to Austin Pettis and Titus Young, both of whom combined for 142 receptions, 2,166 receiving yards and 19 TDs.

As for Moore in 2011, he did not have either player and still threw for exactly 3,800 yards, 43 TDs to just nine picks and had a completion percentage of 74.3.

His arm may not be as strong as some others, however, his accuracy is second to none and he makes everyone around him better. Let's face it—not very many college quarterbacks could put up those numbers after losing their two best receiving targets.

Provided that Moore gets a stronger arm and has a good showing in the Senior Bowl, he could potentially get drafted as a mid- to late fourth-rounder. Regardless, someone is getting a great quarterback.

Cyrus Gray: RB, Texas A&M

One of the more unknown running backs because of others like Trent Richardson, LaMichael James, Lamar Miller and Chris Polk, Texas A&M's Cyrus Gray is going under the radar.

Right now Gray is likely to be an early fourth-round pick as his versatility is appealing to most. Each of the last two seasons he went over 1,000 rushing and 230 receiving yards.

Collectively between 2010 and 2011, Gray scored 28 total TDs (24 rushing) and had 65 receptions.

He's an every-down back that can slam the trenches, bounce it outside, make a darting cut behind a zone-blocking scheme and be reliable on screens and check-downs.

Also making Cyrus a solid draft pick is his kick return ability.

Now, the numbers significantly decreased as he became more involved offensively but the skill still remains. As a freshman, Gray returned 49 kickoffs for 1,169 yards and scored one TD. A year later, he returned 27 kicks for 642 yards and scored one TD.

Each season he averaged roughly 24 yards per return, which will help him in the NFL. Anyone needing a solid third-down back who can act as a reliable return man will certainly consider him.

Best-case scenario, Gray goes early in Round 3 as his late-season injury will be concerning.

Casey Hayward: CB, Vanderbilt

One of the most underrated defensive backs in not only the SEC, but college football, Vanderbilt's Casey Hayward can really increase his draft stock in the Senior Bowl.

A solid size for a corner, Hayward recorded seven interceptions in 2011 and returned them for 107 yards and a TD.

Any time a player such as Hayward can change the field position on top of changing the possession, that's impressive.

Combined between the past three seasons, Hayward also recorded 190 tackles and defended 28 passes (10 in 2011). He's solid tackler and reacts quite well once the ball is in the air and has consistently made plays throughout his college career.

However, because he goes to Vanderbilt, Casey Hayward is going vastly overlooked. In addition, it doesn't help that this year's draft is loaded with talent and depth at corner.

Still, with a good showing in the Senior Bowl, there's no reason why Hayward can't go from a late fourth-round pick to a mid-third-rounder.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati (From OAK): Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Mohamed Sanu, WR (Rutgers)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zebrie Sanders, OT (Florida State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	25. Denver Broncos: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
10. Buffalo Bills: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)	26. New York Giants: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	27. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	28. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (North Alabama)	30. New England Patriots (From NO): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Sam Montgomery, DE (LSU)
16. New York Jets: Brandon Thompson, DE (Clemson)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)

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