Senior Bowl 2012: 3 Unknown 2012 NFL Draft Prospects to Keep an Eye on

Now that the East-West Shrine game has concluded, both college and pro football fans have the 2012 Senior Bowl to look forward to before Super Bowl XLVI, between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

With so many big names at the Senior Bowl such as: Brandon Weeden, Melvin Ingram, Chris Polk and Kirk Cousins. A few solid players considered as mid-rounders are going significantly under the radar.

Mostly due to the fact that the exposure each received in 2011 wasn't on the same level as the bigger stars. Still, here are three players who are mostly unknown on a national stage that we need to keep an eye on.

Vick Ballard: RB, Mississippi State

Overlooked because of the Bulldogs disappointing 2011 campaign. Running back Vick Ballard didn't get much recognition in the SEC West, that was dominated by Alabama, Arkansas and LSU.

Fortunately for Ballard, he still managed to perform well, compiling almost 1,200 yards rushing and 200 receiving yards, with 11 total touchdowns. A year earlier in 2010, Ballard's first season as a the main back, he accounted for 968 rushing yards and 106 receiving yards, as well as 20 total touchdowns.

Without much top level NFL talent around him, Ballard was the main focus of opposing defenses, but still managed to have a strong senior year. Ballard, a projected late fourth/early fifth-rounder, could jump into round three with a solid senior bowl performance.

Regardless, Ballard is a punishing back that can hit the hole quick and has good speed for his size. Any team needing to improve in short yard situations will welcome him.

Donnie Fletcher: CB, Boston College

Although Boston College's Donnie Fletcher recorded 11 career picks with 21 passes defended, he's still considered an early fifth/late fourth round pick. Much like Ballard, Fletcher is vastly underrated because more players at his respective position receiving national exposure.

Obviously, the Golden Eagles aren't known for college football, outside of Doug Flutie from a national perspective. On top of that, the ACC isn't considered one of the elite BCS conferences.

That said, Fletcher is a reliable tackler and not afraid to get physical when needed. In coverage he also has excellent reactionary skills. He's quick to close on the ball and in jumping routes, which makes him an ideal zone coverage, nickel/dime back as a rookie.

Adding depth and versatility, Fletcher could make a big impact in 2012 in the right system.

Bobby Wagner: LB, Utah State

Despite being from Utah State and playing in the Western Athletic Conference, linebacker Bobby Wagner is an expected second-round pick.

However, no one would know this because he plays for the Aggies out west, and it's not like the WAC gets national coverage every week of every season like the BCS schools. As for Wagner, he has recorded 445 career tackles, with 394 of those coming in his last three years.

2011 capped off a great career, as Wagner totaled 147 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and 11.5 tackles for loss.

With a 6'0", 240-pound frame, Wagner has the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker. Therefore, he'll be a great addition for any defense to have him in a 3-4 or 4-3 front. He can blitz, stuff the run, and drop into coverage.

In other words, the complete package and this weekend he has a shot shot to really get some recognition.

John Rozum on Twitter