Senior Bowl 2012: Projecting Where the Top Draft Prospects in Mobile Could Go

Here's a quick look at the top draft prospects who participated at the 2012 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama this week:

DE QUINTON COPLES, UNC

Coples arrived in Mobile as a top-10 talent who had concerns about his senior season at North Carolina. He'll leave the Senior Bowl with a solidified spot among the top-10 picks. Coples has all the measurables (6'6", 285 pounds) and skills (burst, power) that you're looking for in a 4-3 defensive end, and he spent this week showcasing them to salivating NFL scouts.

Projection: Top 10  

DE/OLB COURTNEY UPSHAW, ALABAMA

Upshaw's versatility to play in a 4-3 and 3-4 defense combines well with his size (6'2", 265 pounds) and athleticism. Throughout the week, Upshaw went both around and through opposing offensive tackles. And if he wasn't a certain top-15 pick before Mobile, Upshaw is now. It's going to be very difficult for a team in need of pass rusher—regardless of scheme—to pass on Upshaw's talent.

Projection: Top 15

OT MIKE ADAMS, OHIO STATE

Adams was one of the big movers from Mobile. He wowed with his overwhelming size (6'7", 320 pounds) and ability to move his feet at left tackle. Given the impressive tape he put together for NFL scouts in Mobile, it's not a stretch to think Adams could now be a top-15 pick. Teams are always looking for franchise left tackles, and Adams fits the mold.

Projection: Top 20 

CB JANORIS JENKINS, NORTH ALABAMA

Outside of the obvious names at quarterback, no player centered the attention of scouts' eyes like Jenkins. After being away from the top level of college football for a season, Jenkins needed to show he could still hang with the big boys. Mission accomplished. He's a first-round talent, but will teams be able to overlook some of the character concerns?

Projection: First Round

DE/OLB MELVIN INGRAM, SOUTH CAROLINA

If Coples and Upshaw were the top pass rushers in Mobile, Ingram wasn't too far behind. Like Upshaw, Ingram has the ability to play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme. At 276 pounds, Ingram's ability to play in space was an unexpected bonus. It's hard to believe he'll last too far into the 20s. 

Projection: Top 25

G CORDY GLENN, GEORGIA

Glenn played left tackle at Georgia, but he struggled early on playing that position in Mobile. However, when he was moved to guard, there was no longer any doubt who the top interior offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl was. Guards don't have as much draft value as tackles, but Glenn should still be a wanted asset. 

Projection: Top 35

QB BRANDON WEEDEN, OKLAHOMA STATE

The old man in the group showed up all his younger counterparts. He can make all the throws—something the majority of quarterbacks in Mobile couldn't do—and there isn't a guy outside of Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III that appears as pro ready right now as Weeden.

The overlying question will be how teams view his age. Weeden will be 28 by time the regular season kicks off next fall. But remember, Kurt Warner didn't make his first NFL start until he was 28. Weeden's age shouldn't be a draft death sentence. 

Projection: Top 50