NFL Draft 2012: 50 Things We Learned from the Senior Bowl

It can be the best game to watch and the most frustrating, as an All-Star game usually has its good points and its bad ones. This year was no exception.

The Senior Bowl gives graduates an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of scouts and coaches and, of course, the media.

In most cases, it is a chance to really improve their draft stock. But in recent years, not having the best players on the field, regardless of classification, has actually hurt scouting because it is not a true barometer of talent.

Maybe there is a way to showcase all the talent in the draft pool without having to wait on a combine or a pro day.

Here is what we learned from the week's activities in Mobile, Ala.

Brandon Weeden Looked Sharp in Practice, Not in Game

But he will still get plenty of attention in this draft.

While he wowed scouts in practice, drawing raves about his ability, he was a little off in the game.

Still, Weeden ran a successful offense for the Cowboys and will get a long look in the second to fourth round of this draft and could be the fourth passer taken off the board.

Courtney Upshaw Is a Beast

He played as a defensive end in the All-Star game, which means he could play both defensive end and outside linebacker in the NFL.

So much is made of where a player will permanently play in the NFL, but I think it only matters is they are one-dimensional.

Upshaw can play all over the field.

Brian Quick Could Be a Solid Receiver in the NFL

A lot of times, players from smaller schools like Appalachian State surprise and make it big, and I like Quick's chances in the pro game.

Quick had some issues with dropped passes in the beginning of the week but came on strong as the week went on.

He could be a Pierre Garcon-type receiver in the NFL and could be a steal for some team in the second or third round.

Chris Rainey Could Be the Next Darren Sproles

I love watching Rainey play. Whether it is running, receiving or the return game, Rainey can make it happen.

And now that NFL has really taken a liking to smaller backs with speed (Ray Rice, Darren Sproles, Maurice Jones-Drew), Rainey will get a long hard look in the middle to late rounds of this draft.

It will be interesting to see if Rainey's stock rises and if he finds his way toward the front of the draft rather than the back of it.

Zebrie Sanders Was Not Impressive This Past Week

The Florida State tackle was once thought of as a first-round choice.

Those pundits are now recanting their opinions.

Sanders did not have a solid week in Mobile and his draft stock could really suffer for it.

I Wanted to See What Someone Like Mohamed Sanu Could Do

Sanu was not at the draft week audition. The Rutgers receiver could be among the first five pass-catchers off the board.

Sanu could make a team like San Diego, Chicago, New England or Cincinnati very happy if he is around in middle-to-late part of the first round.

I think he will be a top-notch receiver and kick returner.

Mike Adams May Become the Best Lineman out of This Draft Pool

Adams needed a strong showing this week to move solidly into the first round. He did that and helped push other prospects down the draft list.

He could be the best lineman in this draft class within the next five seasons. While Adams may not have the polish of a Matt Kalil or a David DeCastro, his size, strength and technique were quite impressive.

Russell Wilson Has Talent, but Won't Play Quarterback in the NFL

There is something about him everyone likes. But at 5'11" his size does not translate to being a quarterback in the NFL.

He has great athletic skills and needs to work on his intangibles, but if he were to try another position, like receiver, he could be a good player.

Does he have the skills to be a Troy Smith or Seneca Wallace? That remains to be seen.

Marvin McNutt Is One of the Best Names in College Football

I just wanted to put that out there about the Iowa player.

And at 6'4" and 215 pounds, McNutt should be rated as one of the better receiving prospects in the draft.

Hopefully his size and speed translate on the next level.

Kellen Moore Deserves a Better Fate Than What He Will Get in the NFL Draft

At 5'11" and 191 pounds, Moore looks pudgy and out of place with the talent at the Senior Bowl.

He has intangibles that excite scouts, and he is a winner with 50 victories in college. However, mechanically, he still has a lot to learn on the next level.

What Would Robert Griffin III Have Done in a Game Like This?

Would we have seen amazement from the former Baylor Bear and the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner?

While there is no dispute he will be a first-round pick and probable top-five selection, it would be interesting to see him hit other receivers and see what he does with other athletes in a different setting.

I think RGIII will be a top-three selection as teams will want to move up to take him for his passing and running ability.

Doug Martin Played His Way Toward Stardom

There are other players on Boise State's team other than Kellen Moore and his cast of receivers.

Doug Martin may not have gotten huge chunks of yardage, but he did the little things in picking up key yards and also playing a role in pass protection and on blitzes.

It is those types of things that have made Martin look like a great find, and he could find his way off the board in the second round.

Alfonzo Dennard's Injury May Have Hurt His Stock

Being injured at a time like this is not what a football player wants to happen, but that is what Alfonzo Dennard is going through.

He missed the game because of a hip flexor, which could dramatically affect his draft status.

I thought Dennard was a fringe first-round pick in this year's draft, but now it would appear the injury to the hip may keep him out of the first round or leave some doubt about his play. Hopefully the combine and a pro day workout can help him regain first-round form.

Vinny Curry Is Going to Make Some TEam Very Happy When It Drafts Him

I think he may be the next DeMarcus Ware of Troy.

Curry looks the part and plays the part, but because he played at Marshall he may not get the exposure he deserves on a national level. Some team will take a chance on him in the second round, find he is every bit as good as the other defensive ends in this draft and have itself an edge-rusher for the next decade.

Jeff Fuller Did Nothing to Improve His Draft Stock

This could have been a place where the Texas A&M standout could distinguish himself as a top-rated receiver.

He dropped passes and did not look super in practice.

Fuller was the type that looked like he could slip into the end of the first round. Now he is a second-round talent and possibly headed for a big fall.

Illinois' Tackle Jeff Allen Played Well All Week

The Big 10 tackle was fighting for draft position against players in this game and players who could not perform.

There is something about linemen from the Midwest and their ability to play well in the trenches. Allen raised his draft stock with strong technique and an ability to pick up coverage assignments well.

Gerell Robinson Did Not 'Wow' Anyone

He was another one of those receivers that needed to make a difference this week to get a stronger look and possibly raise his draft stock.

At Arizona State, he had five 100-yard receiving games in the final seven contests, but he did little to show that kind of ability this past week.

Dwight Bentley Could Be a Small-School Steal

Louisiana-Lafayette always seems to put together a decent draft prospect that comes in and excites scouts and coaches alike.

This year, Bentley was the one teasing everyone with his ability. Bentley was a late replacement in the game and showed he belonged amongst the country's best talents.

If he was not on everyone's wish list, this week may have placed his name in bold letters as a player to keep an eye on.

Vick Ballard of Mississippi State Could Be a Rare Find

The running back did not look good in practice this week but looked better when the game was in progress.

Maybe that is what runners need: real-game speed and contact.

This draft is not exceptionally deep at the position, so a strong performance here helped him raise eyebrows of scouts.

We All Expected More of DeVier Posey

The Ohio State offense was not the most thrilling scoring team in the country this season, but Posey has talent written all over him.

In the week leading up to the game and the game itself, Posey did not take a step forward.

He will needs a strong combine and pro day to make it happen for him.

Nick Foles Still Needs Some Work on His Game

I am one of those guys who was high on Foles this season as a possible steal in the second or third round. However, his performance this week proved he still needs work on his game and mechanics.

His size and speed are assets but his skill set may set him back on some draft boards. Still, look for Foles to come off the board between the third and fifth rounds.

Juron Criner Is a Name to Watch

The University of Arizona star caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.

The receiver showed he could move in and out of traffic and catch the deep ball, and his play helped his draft stock and may have moved him into the third round of the April selection party.

Sean Spence Proves to Be Another Miami Superstar

Spence showed the University of Miami can still produce top-notch talent on defense as he surprised at linebacker this week and on Saturday.

While he may not be a Jessie Armstead or a Ray Lewis, he could make an impact in the NFL as a second- or third-round selection.

Punters Need Love, Too

Georgia's Drew Butler showed he can be a factor in the NFL as he averaged 50.2 yards per punt in the game for the South.

In the NFL, field position means everything, and Butler may have his name called in the later rounds of draft day.

Michigan's Mike Martin Has Put Himself in a Pretty Good Place

Martin was dominant in the game against the South's offensive linemen. And when he pushed Georgia's Ben Jones around play after play, it proved Martin should be included in the same breath other defensive tackles who have been given more attention this off season.

Martin can play in a 3-4 defense or in a 4-3. With the ability to play in both schemes, he becomes that much more draftable. Teams that need that kind of versatility will be looking at him.

Melvin Ingram Can Play with Anyone

The South Carolina linebacker was just as effective as others. And with his size, speed and skill set he could also see time on the defensive line.

If Ingram can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, his draft grade will soar.

Ingram should be taken in the first 20 selections of the draft. He could help a team like Dallas or Philadelphia, both teams that needs more speed and pass-rushers.

Speed Kills

Joe Adams from Arkansas showed he could be a receiver in the mold of other speedsters (Jordy Nelson), and the NFL thrives on offenses that have both solid possession receivers and deep threats (New Orleans, New York Giants and Green Bay).

Adams could also be a Lance Moore-type receiver underneath and always in the area of the end zone.

Not All Tigers Are Created Alike

Will Blackwell was not in the best place at the best time. He appeared slow for most of the game and was continually outplayed by faster defensive linemen and linebackers.

While the junior-eligible players have dominated the draft talk, the seniors needed to show their mettle.

Blackwell could not do that.

What Position Does He Play?

Michael Egnew is a receiver playing tight end at Missouri.

Where does he play in the NFL?

Because he does not have a "true" position in the NFL, and the fact he had trouble with running pass routes, his stock should tumble in the draft.

Alameda Ta'amu Is Legit

The Washington defensive tackle was everywhere when he played. Ta'amu broke up two screen plays and then was able to help in run defense.

I think he will be one of the best defensive players to come out of this draft and maybe the best five years from now.

Utah State Has Some Good Players

Among them is linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Wagner played well in the game on Saturday, registering seven tackles and had an interception. He was named the North's Most Outstanding Player of the game.

If Wagner's motor is at full speed, he could be a valuable special teams player in the NFL and fringe starter.

Can He Be Another Standout from UNC?

Zach Brown has been considered a first=round talent for most of this season on most draft boards. Now with bigger, stronger linebackers in the draft (Melvin Ingram, Courtney Upshaw), where does Brown fit in?

This week, and during the game, Brown showed great speed and quickness to stay with a running back or tight end down the first.

I still see him as a late first-round selection.

Reyes Played Well for the North

Connecticut is not only known for its basketball, but its football players as well.

Kendall Reyes showed great promise last week and recorded two sacks in the actual game from the defensive tackle position.

Connecticut has sent other players to the NFL recently, most notably Colts running back Donald Brown.

Jones Hurt His Stock with Slow Feet

Dwight Jones of North Carolina was a possible first-round talent, but now that's in question.

A tall specimen, Jones could be a player teams want to feature in the red zone of their offense. Only problem is Jones did little separate himself from defenders in the game over the weekend.

At 6'4" and 225 pounds, Jones could have secured a place in the first round had he shown more foot work and separation speed.

Boise State Plays Defense as Well

George Iloka is not an ordinary safety at 6"3 and 228 pounds. He could be tried at linebacker in the pros and could be used as a hard-hitting safety (take that, Ronnie Lott).

He showed he could keep up with top receivers during the game and was a good in pass coverage.

We Cannot Wait to See What Landry Jones, Matt Barkley Can Do

The two most highly sought-after seniors in next year's draft, Landry Jones and Matt Barkley will have a chance to light it up in the 2013 Senior Bowl.

Both Jones and Barkley, first-round projections, decided to remain in school and both will be serious Heisman Trophy contenders.

Jones plays for the Sooners and Barkley plays at USC. Both teams could be national title contenders this coming season.

Not Having Trent Richardson There Helped

If you think about it, Trent Richardson has been the most-talked-about running back all season. But as a junior, he was not eligible to play in the All-Star game.

That allowed Chris Polk, Chris Rainey, Isaiah Pead and Doug Martin all to show they have talent.

While Richardson is a sure-fire first-rounder, Polk may have played himself into the first round and Martin showed he is a solid second-round choice.

Rainey is a multi-purpose back and Pead also made scouts take notice of his abilities.

Vanderbilt Had a Pretty Good Secondary

Casey Hayward was one of those reasons.

A cornerback on the Commodores defense, Hayward proved he was the real deal in practice and in the game.

Could that translate? I think so. Also, I believe Hayward will be a factor in the return game for any team that makes him a part of its special teams package.

Ben Jones Could Not Stop Anyone

The University of Georgia offensive lineman was blistered by Mike Martin play after play and the scouts saw Jones pushed into the backfield repeatedly.

This cannot be good for his draft stock. We shall see how far he falls based on his performance, or the lack thereof.

Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati Helped His Stock in This Game

The best way to "wow" scouts is to score the game-winner and prove you are battle-tough.

Pead did just that. And in the process, the Cincinnati prospect may have made a name for himself on Sundays.

With 32 teams watching, Pead made the biggest statement of the game.

Cordy Glenn Will Be a Beast on the Next Level

Cordy Glenn made sure scouts took notice and made sure the NFL knew he was ready to be a first=round pick in the upcoming draft.

Whether it was in practice in drills or with his technique on the field, the 6'6", 348-pounder proved to be solid selection of first-round talent.

Chris Polk May Have Moved into the First Round of the Draft

Polk was already on the bubble as to whether he would be a first- or second-round pick. His play this week made sure scouts would be competing for his services on the first day in New York.

At 5'11" and more than 220 pounds, he is compact and can run through and over a defensive line to get to the next level.

Kelechi Osemele Helped His Draft Stock as Much as Anyone

Scouts were impressed with Osemele and his ability to move defensive linemen around.

Once thought to be a second-round prospect, could his footwork and ability to pass block help him move into the first round?

He could be a welcomed addition for Green Bay, Pittsburgh or the New York Giants, who have an aging line and could use an infusion of young talent.

Riley Reiff's Stock May Have Been Hurt by Not Playing This Weekend

This is a case of a player who has all the tools and the ability being hurt because of his draft status.

Reiff is a junior-eligible player who declared for the draft. But because of other players who looked good and played well in the week's practices and the game itself, his draft position could take a tumble.

Reiff was a powerhouse this year for Iowa and a huge immovable figure in the Hawkeyes run game and pass protection.

He deserved a chance to make an impression in Mobile.

Quinton Coples Got His Mojo Back

Coples showed he is still the top pass-rusher in this draft.

While the influx of players from Alabama and LSU may hurt where he is selected (maybe ninth to the Dolphins), he showed this week that he is determined to prove he can play at a high level on every play from scrimmage.

If he falls to the middle of the first round, he could help the Bears in their pass rush, or maybe a team like the Cowboys.

Janoris Jenkins Will Be Better Than Dre Kirkpatrick, Morris Claiborne

I am going out on a limb with this one.

Jenkins has all the ability to be another great defender in the NFL. He has more talent, in my opinion, than Joe Haden. His speed and coverage skills are on par with the highest=ranked defenders in this draft.

Can his past issues (being kicked off the Florida football team, arrests for marijuana possession) hurt his draft stock? Yes.

But if he is being judged solely on his ability, he is the best on the board.

Kirk Cousins Looks Like the Best Senior Passer in This Draft

There are some players who surprise people for being better than expected and, in this case, Cousins may be one of them.

The senior passer from Michigan State was impressive in practice and looked the part during the game.

While there are junior passers coming out for the draft who will garner more attention, the fact Cousins has played against Ohio State, Michigan and Notre Dame year after year has only made him stronger and honed his skills.

A Better Venue Might Have Brought Better Talent

While Alabama has been the site of this game for years, maybe if it were moved it would get more attention and, in time, could be changed and altered so juniors could play.

ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando or even Miami would be a great venue to showcase everyone's talent.

This Game Missed Ryan Tannehill

He could still sneak into the bottom of the first round but Tannehill's foot injury was a big issue this week.

Tannehill, at 6'4", is tall, angular and can see over his offensive line to make the right throws in passing lanes.

He is also mobile and can move around the pocket and move toward the first-down markers.

I think Tannehill is this year's Andy Dalton.

There Needs to Be a Way for Underclassmen to Show Their Talent in Mobile

The stars weren't there. The big-time prospects like Justin Blackmon, RGIII and Riley Reiff were all at home.

It wasn't a true representation of the talent available. And while the Senior Bowl was just that, seniors, the younger prospects should have been there to see what they could do in relation to the more seasoned veterans.

Can there be a week like this one where all talents are showcased?

Maybe the NCAA and the NFL need to get together to come up with something so all parties, including the fans and scouts, are happy.