Senior Bowl 2012: Prospects Soaring Up NFL Draft Boards

We've seen players soar up draft boards after the season throughout the years, helped out by solid Senior Bowl performances and impressive measurables at the NFL combine.

This year, a few prospects have gotten off to great starts at the 2012 Senior Bowl, which could see them drafted much higher than originally anticipated.

Here are three players who have caught the eyes of NFL scouts everywhere thus far.

3. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson has widely been projected as a fifth or sixth-round pick in the draft. But after the first week of the Senior Bowl, he's starting to turn some heads around the league.

According to Chad Reuter of NFL.com, Wilson has not only impressed with his "intelligence, attitude and athleticism," he's also shown an NFL-ready arm and surprising accuracy. Beyond that, he's also been able to make plays out of the pocket.

Wilson's height, at 5'10", will always be a concern headed to the next level, but we've seen undersized quarterbacks excel in the NFL before.

2. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Injuries, suspensions and some inconsistent play had Mike Adams as far back as the second round this season, but his measurables, combined with his performance in the Senior Bowl, are starting to blast him up boards.

While he had some trouble run-blocking, Adams drew rave reviews as a pass-blocker, including from B/R's own Matt Miller, who went to Mobile to study the prospects.

Wrote Miller in his breakdown:

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Adams was big enough to impress in person. He's very tall and heavy without looking loose. While a bit of a waist-bender and a tad stiff, Adams has elite potential as a pass protector.

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I could see the Arizona Cardinals grabbing Adams at No. 13 overall. I've had him there for a while in my mock drafts.

1. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

I've been high on Zach Brown for a while now and honestly don't know why he's been so undervalued by many draft experts. He has elite speed for the position and is a complete linebacker, with the ability to rush the passer, tackle running backs in space and cover some of the top tight ends in the NFL (I'm not kidding).

Echoed Miller:

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There were few players who stood out more than Brown this week. He played at WILL linebacker and was exceptional in space. He's a freak of an athlete and is a player who showed up big in pass coverage. Teams looking for an answer to the slot tight end position will love what Brown can do for them.

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I have the San Diego Chargers grabbing him at No. 18 overall, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is drafted sooner, especially after the combine showcases his athleticism and speed.