Senior Bowl 2012: Players at 4 Key Positions Who Need to Impress This Week

When you're talking about the NFL draft, four main positions come to mind on the value chart: quarterbacks, pass rushers, offensive tackles and cornerbacks. In this age of the NFL, these four are always increasing in value.

So at the 2012 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama this week, keep your eyes on these three guys at each key position: 

The QBs: Russell Wilson, Nick Foles and Brandon Weeden

Last January, Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder began his rise up draft boards with a solid showing in Mobile. Now, the three listed quarterbacks here will attempt to make that same jump. And considering Ponder made the move all the way into the first round, it's not completely crazy to think that one of those three could hear their name called among the first 32 picks in April.

Wilson is athletic, accurate and cool under pressure, Foles and Weeden both have big arms and the ceiling of a pocket passer that most scouts covet. Playing well this week will be vastly important for all three.

The Pass Rushers: Courtney Upshaw, Quinton Coples and Devon Still

At this point, the 2012 draft doesn't have a bonafide pass rusher that a team can be confident will make an instant impact. The 2011 draft had a couple, including Von Miller, Marcel Dareus and Aldon Smith.

This week in Mobile could be the breakout of one or more of that type of player.

Upshaw might be the best bet, and you should keep your eye on him as a rush 3-4 linebacker. With his size (275 pounds) and athleticism, he could make a big splash. Coples and Still can solidify a top-15 pick with showcase performances.

The Tackles: Mike Adams, Zebrie Sanders and Cordy Glenn

In today's NFL, it's all about quarterbacks and pass rushers. We've seen that time and time again, especially in the 2012 playoffs. But to throw the football, you need a pair of tackles that can consistently keep pass rushers off the quarterback.

With the value of the position continuing to rise, guys like Adams, Sanders and Glenn can make millions by showing NFL scouts that they can keep the pass rushers we already talked at bay. Struggling this week could raise serious concerns, too.   

The Cornerbacks: Alfonzo Dennard, Janoris Jenkins and Brandon Boykin

Finally, we get to the fourth and final cog in the NFL machine: guys who can stop the pass. Dennard and Boykin are both solid guys who won't stand out in any one area, but watch for Jenkins this week. He has off-field issues and hasn't played at the top collegiate level in some time. Jenkins now needs to show he can play with the big boys and keep his head clean for a chance at being drafted in the first round.