Senior Bowl 2012: Top 5 Playmakers That Must Shine Bright

The 2012 Senior Bowl takes place this Saturday, and while every player needs to do well, the athletes known for making big plays have to step up in a monster way in order to drastically help their draft status. 

This is the final game these prospects have to impress NFL scouts. Pre-draft workouts can help, but they don't compare to how much a player can jump up draft boards with their game performances. 

Scouts will be closely watching everyone, but the dynamic game-changers will be paid close attention to, which means they have to deliver or else. 

With that said, here are the top five playmakers that need to shine bright in the 2012 Senior Bowl. 

Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

How Polk plays in this game will be a huge factor in whether he becomes a first-round draft choice. He's on the border right now, and based on team needs later in the draft, he could get passed on. 

However, a dominant showing in the Senior Bowl would see his name climb way up draft boards, giving him a much greater shot at being selected in the first round. 

Polk was last seen in a game against a weak defense, so all eyes will be on him as he goes up against some of the nation's best defenders.

The South team is loaded with talented defensive linemen and linebackers, so Polk is going to be put to the test. If he shines, it will do wonders for his draft stock. 

Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina 

Another borderline first-round draft choice, Jones needs to put his skills on full display at the Senior Bowl.

Not everyone knows who this kid is, which means it's up to him to make sure they remember his name once the game is over. 

Listed at 6'3", 226 pounds, Jones has the frame and skill-set to thrive at the next level. His performance this Saturday against some very skilled corners will have a major impact on where he ends up being drafted. 

At North Carolina, they didn't throw it a ton, which is why Jones has to step up in big way this weekend. 

Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M 

It's a deep wide receiver class this year, meaning Fuller has to find a way to stand out.

The 2012 Senior Bowl is his best opportunity, so making the most of every target thrown his way is a must.

Listed at 6'4", 217 pounds, Fuller has the size scouts love, but after a down year, Fuller has to really elevate his game this Saturday. Fuller battled through injuries and wasn't entirely consistent this past season, therefore he has to be great in the Senior Bowl.

Fuller was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2010, so scouts know he is capable of great things. With a better quarterback, Fuller can certainly succeed in the NFL. 

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State 

Martin is a borderline top five running back in the class of 2012, but he can definitely help his case with a strong performance on Saturday. 

Having played against weaker competition, Martin needs to show he can excel against some of the top defenders in the country.

Since he is on the North team, Martin will be going against guys like Quinton Coples, Courtney Upshaw and Zach Brown, which means if he is able to find success, Martin will skyrocket up draft boards. 

Being listed at 5'9", 219 pounds really hurts his draft status, but all it means is Martin has to show that his height is not an issue against talented players by running well at the Senior Bowl. 

Marquis Maze, WR, Alabama 

This skilled wide receiver will likely be making an impact in the return game for an NFL team before he does anything on offense. 

The fact he checked into the Senior Bowl at 5'7", 184 pounds meant his draft stock went way down. Making a monster play or two is the only way Maze will be able to climb back up the draft boards. 

Since he was injured in the BCS National Championship Game, Maze has to really make a name for himself at the Senior Bowl. A dropped pass, bad route or anything like that could mean he won't be drafted. 

Maze is perhaps one of the players most in need of shining brightly on the field in front of the NFL scouts.