Senior Bowl 2012: Defensive Studs Guaranteed to Have Huge Games

The Senior Bowl may not have the benefit of hosting all of the top players in the NFL draft, but there is certainly plenty of talent present in Mobile, Ala. That is particularly true on the defensive side of the ball as many of college football's top defenders will be competing in the game.

Offense normally rules the day in these types of exhibition games, but the 2012 contest could be different as the South team in particular is stacked on defense. The North quarterbacks could be in for a rough day as some of the top pass rushers in the draft will be pursuing them.

Here are three defensive studs who are guaranteed to dominate in the Senior Bowl game.

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

After a slow start to his college football career, South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram really came on in his final two seasons. Ingram has racked up 19 sacks over the past two years and is in a battle to be the first defensive end taken in the draft. At 6'2" and 276 lbs, Ingram is a prototypical 4-3 end, although he may very well be athletic enough to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 at the next level.

Since Ingram was a fairly anonymous player before breaking out two years ago there hasn't been much hype surrounding him. I think that will change following the Senior Bowl, though, as Ingram is in a position to dominate. With so many other strong pass rushers on the South team, he may have the benefit of going one-on-one with an offensive tackle. If that happens, then Ingram is bound to have a field day.

Quinton Coples, North Carolina

At nearly 6'6" and 281 lbs, North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples is a physical marvel. His size will allow him to play defensive end or defensive tackle in a 4-3, or defensive end of outside linebacker in a 3-4 in the NFL. He also possesses incredible athleticism that may make him the most complete pass rusher in this year's draft. Coples has 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, but he will need to prove himself in the Senior Bowl.

Coples draft stock has seemingly tumbled a bit for unknown reasons, but that trend can be reversed on Saturday. Coples is a major matchup problem for opposing offensive linemen as he has the size to overpower them and the speed and athleticism to run around them. I feel like Coples may be the most talented player in the Senior Bowl and I expect him to showcase his skills.

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Like Ingram and Coples, Alabama defensive end Courtney Upshaw has just recently developed into one of college football's premier pass rushers. Upshaw racked up 9.5 sacks on Alabama's dominant defense this season and he really helped his draft stock with an excellent performance in the Crimson Tide's National Championship Game win over LSU.

Upshaw is a powerful pass rusher at 6'2" and 273 lbs, so he figures to be tough to handle in the Senior Bowl. Upshaw is another one of those players who can probably play either defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level, and the Senior Bowl will give him an opportunity to prove that. Upshaw's star has been rising faster than any defensive player over the past couple months, and a great performance in the Senior Bowl would solidify that.