Senior Bowl 2012: Reviewing the 6 Most Impressive Performances

The Senior Bowl is always a huge piece in the NFL draft process, and with the game in the books, moving season has begun. The NFL scouting combine is the lone offseason event remaining for prospects, and a huge week for many prospects just concluded.

The practices may be the most important part of the week, but the game is seen on a larger scale and also plays a huge role. In a game full of college football's best players, a few prospects stood out above the rest.

For many players, a Senior Bowl is a chance to answer questions. Be it competition, motor, character or overall ability, players receive a second chance in Mobile, Alabama. 

Some of these players failed to impress during the week, but showed up just in time for the game. 

Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

A four-year starter at Utah State, Bobby Wagner has flown under the radar for two long. Wagner is incredibly instinctive and racked up nearly 450 tackles during his college career. 

Most fans may not care, but Wagner really stood out on special teams. Wagner was all over the field on defense too, and he made plays in coverage and run support.

There is nothing to criticize. 

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Though he was playing against Kelechi Osemele, a probable guard, Quinton Coples put on a show for NFL scouts. The 6'6", 281-pounder is as physically talented of a player as any, and he has the ability to dominate in the NFL.

Few players possess Coples' rare combination of size and athleticism. The North Carolina star may be better off at left end, but he is probably a top-10 pick come draft day, partially because of his performance in Mobile.

Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

Isaiah Pead really shone on special teams, returning two punts for a combined 98 yards. The 193-pounder isn't overly big, but he is fast, quick and explosive.

However, Pead also played well on offense. His vision wasn't perfect, but he was able to make some defenders miss and did a good job of getting to the second level. Pead proved that he is at least a fourth-round value.

Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

At 6'2", 220 pounds, Juron Criner is a big, physical possession receiver. The Arizona star owns some of the best hands in the draft and, as we saw, he is an incredible red-zone threat.

Criner made two exceptional catches, one of which scored a touchdown. No one will claim Criner is a burner or explosive player, but his hands and size make him a valuable player.

Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

A 6'3", 341-pound defensive tackle, Alameda Ta'amu is best suited for a 3-4 defense. The massive lineman showed incredible power and good burst as he abused Georgia center Ben Jones. 

Ta'amu isn't valuable enough in the passing game to warrant a first-round grade, but his ability to stuff the run is impressive. The Washington lineman showed us he can do everything he will be asked to do at nose tackle.

Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

With six catches for 116 yards, Joe Adams was the obvious star of the Senior Bowl. He weighs just 174 pounds, but few players are faster or more explosive.

Adams is as dynamic a player as you can find, and he offers value out of slot and on special teams. Don't be surprised if the Arkansas star moves into the second round after his dominant performance. 

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

All week long, Mike Adams put on a show for NFL scouts. The Ohio State left tackle stands at 6'7", 323 pounds, and is a superb athlete. Adams has more potential than any draft-eligible offensive tackle not named Matt Kalil.

Though he did surrender a sack to Courtney Upshaw, the play wasn't actually Adams' fault. Quarterback Russell Wilson held onto the ball for far too long, and Adams couldn't keep Upshaw at bay forever. 

Adams showed that he is not just an incredible physical specimen, but also an excellent player.