Senior Bowl 2012: Brandon Weeden and Players That Must Improve Their Stock

Ah, the Senior Bowl. The game that those players who weren't guaranteed first-round picks their junior season play in before the NFL combine, hoping to make a good, early impression in the draft process.

Last year, players such as Brooks Reed, Leonard Hankerson, Ryan Kerrigan, Roy Helu and Vincent Brown impressed during the Senior Bowl.

What players will need to do so this year? 

Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State's 28-year-old quarterback is certainly one of the top 10 quarterbacks in this draft, and Mel Kiper has him listed as his fifth quarterback.

But with a solid Senior Bowl, Weeden can accomplish two things: He can improve his draft stock to where he'll sneak into the second round, and he might provide a cheaper alternative for teams considering Green Bay Packers backup Matt Flynn.

After Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, there is a significant gap in the available quarterbacks. If Weeden can prove to NFL teams he's ready to play from snap one next season, he could be selected higher than expected.

Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

Jones is a big, physical wide receiver that has a ton of potential. So why isn't he finding his way on to more mock drafts as a first-round pick?

Well, there are questions about his route-running and top-end speed. But with Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright taking the Senior Bowl off, Jones will have the opportunity to prove that he is indeed an elite, first-round talent during the practice sessions and game.

In other words, this week could be worth a lot of money for Mr. Jones.

Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

There are a number of concerns that scouts have with Foles, including whether he was a system quarterback at Arizona that will struggle to adjust to the NFL. There are questions about his accuracy and ability to read defenses and make the proper decision as well.

With Ryan Tannehill out for the Senior Bowl and likely the combine as well with a broken foot, Foles has the opportunity to be the third quarterback selected and possibly jump into the third round.

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