Going Up or Down: 10 Players Whose Draft Stocks Changed During Senior Bowl Week

The Senior Bowl is just the first step in the increasingly important offseason process known as draft season. The week long practice sessions and ultimately the game itself can go a long way in improving or hurting a college football player's draft stock. 

The week-long festivities in Mobile, AL serve as a first impression of sorts for draft experts, team scouts and even coaches and general managers. 

Here are the players who made the most of their first impressions and others who left much to be desired at the Senior Bowl.

(All quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted.)

Moving Up: Juron Criner, Arizona WR

Juron Criner was by far the most consistent, reliable pass-catcher all week long. In addition to being sure-handed, Criner made multiple acrobatic catches while scouts and experts looked on throughout the week. 

One of those circus catches came in what amounted to an indoor walk-through during Thursday's rain-affected practice session. Criner jumped and essentially dove for the ball on concrete. He made the catch. 

"They talk about practice habits. No matter where it is, if you're in practice you've gotta give 100 percent no matter what," said Criner following the indoor session. 

Moving Up: Mike Martin, Michigan DT

Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin drew some attention by nearly coming to blows with Ohio State center Mike Brewster during one-on-ones in Tuesday's practice session.

Martin showed some wicked tenacity in the trenches all week. "I came out here and competed. I think I opened some eyes," said Martin following Saturday's Senior Bowl. 

The 6'1", 307-pounder will be tough to handle at the next level. Martin plays like the Tasmanian Devil—all-out with a constantly-running motor. 

Moving Up: Joe Adams, Arkansas WR

If you watched Joe Adams play at Arkansas you know exactly what he's capable of. Explosive at punt returner and wide receiver, Adams has been the Razorbacks' best playmaker for the last two seasons. 

During Senior Bowl week he showed even more of the explosive elusiveness that he brings to the field. After his performance in the actual game Saturday, Adams has some teams more than willing to look past that 5'10", 174-pound frame.

Following the game Adams said, "I heard (from NFL scouts) that I could play receiver and come in and be a punt returner as well."

Most of Adams' value will come via the punt return aspect, but the former Arkansas receiver gave NFL teams plenty to look at with his eight catches for 133 yards in Saturday's game. 

Moving Up: Bobby Wagner, Utah State LB

Utah State's Bobby Wagner stood out as one of the top linebackers during practice all week. During Saturday's game, Wagner stood out even more. 

The former Aggie had seven tackles, including one for loss. Wagner also had an interception and a pass breakup. The linebacker won the Most Outstanding Player award for the North team. 

Wagner's stellar week was an incredible first step in the pre-draft process. 

Moving Up: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati RB

Isaiah Pead struggled somewhat early in the week, but really caught on as the week progressed. After nearly returning a punt for a touchdown, Pead's stock went through the roof. 

"I think I opened up some eyes to see what I could do," said Pead after returning two punts for 98 yards in Saturday's game. 

Pead also rushed for 31 yards in the game.

Moving Down: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin QB

Russell Wilson didn't have a bad week at the Senior Bowl, but he didn't have a great week either. According to the majority of pre-Senior Bowl prospect rankings, Wilson needed to have a great week in Mobile, AL. 

Wilson is strong, accurate and a quick running threat when rolling out, but he was just average from the pocket. Ultimately, Wilson's 5'10" height will keep him from being seriously considered anywhere near the top rounds of the draft. 

Moving Down: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor RB

Terrance Ganaway had some issues at the Senior Bowl. In addition to being considered a risk in pass protection, Ganaway struggled catching the ball out of the backfield and was very inconsistent running with the football.

At 5'11", 241-pounds, Ganaway is a load for opposing defenses to take down. However, for his stock to move in the opposite direction, Ganaway will have to have a much better showing at the NFL Combine than he did at the Senior Bowl. 

Moving Down: Zebrie Sanders, Florida State OT

Former Seminole Zebrie Sanders was considered one of the top offensive tackles in the draft before last week's Senior Bowl. He may still be considered a plus-prospect due to his size and success in college. Sanders' Senior Bowl week left much to be desired, however.

Sanders was often beat badly in Wednesday's practice. He struggled holding his ground and could not handle the rush on multiple occasions. 

His lack of success at the Senior Bowl could give teams some pause if he struggles at the combine in February. 

Moving Down: Dwight Jones, North Carolina WR

At 6'3", 226-pounds Jones was considered a top wide receiver prospect coming into Senior Bowl week. However, Jones had trouble separating from coverage and catching the ball all week long. 

Jones displayed a lackadaisical attitude for much of the week and it appeared that he wasn't aware that his success or lack thereof in front of NFL scouts could help or hurt his career. 

Jones needs to have a great combine to erase the memory of his Senior Bowl struggles.

Moving Down: Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M WR

Another physically impressive wide receiver prospect had his own fair share of struggles at the Senior Bowl. Jeff Fuller couldn't even catch a cold last week. 

Routine passes dropped, poor route running and an inability to separate has put Fuller behind the eight-ball heading into the combine. 

The 6'4", 217-pound receiver will still get plenty of early-round consideration because of his size, but he has to improve between now and April or it will be a disappointing draft for the former Aggie.