Senior Bowl 2012: 3 Players to Watch Closely This Saturday

The Senior Bowl is the premier exhibition game for NFL draft prospects. A handful of members of the 2012 class are in Mobile this week, showcasing their skills for head coaches, general managers and scouts. 

With much first-round talent participating—guys looking to sustain or boost their draft stock—there is plenty to keep your eyes on. 

Here are the three players you must watch closely during the game on Saturday

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina 

Ingram measured 6'1 7/8'' and 276 pounds at the Senior Bowl weigh-in earlier in the week, making him a "tweener" prospect—a player without a true position at the next level. 

During the first few days of practices, Ingram has shown his full arsenal of pass-rushing moves and pure strength to get to the passer. 

The senior defensive lineman clearly has enough bulk to match up with bigger offensive lineman and is violent working against them with his hands. 

He has the chance to erase ideas that he's too short to play defensive end and not quick enough to play as an outside linebacker with his performance on Saturday. 

If Ingram gets pressure on the opposing quarterback and holds up against the run, he will solidify his stock as top-20 pick. 

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State 

Martin was one of the most reliably productive running backs in college football over the last four years, rushing for over 3,400 yards with 43 touchdowns. 

The 5'9'', 215 pound senior isn't tremendous in any one area, but he's a solid all-around back and runs with tenacity every time he touches the football. 

He has impressed many onlookers in the week's opening practices and some believe he even has the chance to be the second running back taken in the draft. 

If Martin follows up a strong week of practices with solid contributions during the game on Saturday, he could continue to shoot up league-wide draft boards. 

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin 

After the weigh-ins, we found out Wilson stands only 5'10'' inches tall, which is even shorter than many thought he'd be.

The NC State and Wisconsin star needs to prove he can overcome his height by making all the throws and display his elite athleticism when he's forced out of the pocket. 

I love Wilson as a sleeper prospect for many reasons. 

He's smart, can move, demonstrated a big and accurate arm during his collegiate career and didn't fold in the biggest games. 

It's not like he threw from the pocket behind a group of small offensive lineman at Wisconsin last season. Even so, in the end, his height is definitely a bit worrisome. 

He has the chance to move into the third round with a consistent effort on Saturday. 

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