Senior Bowl 2012: Grading the Most Notable Names of North and South Rosters

There were some standout performances on both sides during this afternoon's Senior Bowl. A lot of the players that got the most press showed up and proved why there were considered the best this game had to offer. 

However, some of them struggled in certain aspects of the game. We do have to realize that they are somewhat young and need some more seasoning in order to make a major impact at the next level.

After all, this was their final college football game.

This article is going to focus on the top players from both sides and how they performed.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Aside from a really bad throw on the Bobby Wagner interception, the former Oklahoma State signal-caller looked really good today. He was extremely comfortable in the pocket, showed great field awareness and put the ball in position for his receivers to make big plays. 

One of his best throws of the game was when Weeden threw the ball across the field to a receiver, playing it in front of and over the top coverage and behind coverage underneath.

This is the type of throw that few quarterbacks are able to make in the NFL. It also shows his ability to know when to  put finesse on the ball rather than zipping it in there.  

Grade: A-

Nick Foles, QB, Arizona  

Probably the most impressive of any quarterback during the Senior Bowl, Nick Foles showed himself to be more than capable of making big plays against elite competition. His touchdown pass to Juron Criner against Casey Heyward is a prime example of an NFL-caliber pass. 

Foles pretty much stays put as one of the best second tier quarterback prospects in the draft. He will probably be a second-round pick with an opportunity to sneak into the late first round.

Grade: A

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

The former Washington standout struggled a great deal in this game. He lacked the necessary patience to make plays between the hashes and struggled getting to the outside. A lot of this had to do with a lack of solid blocking from the offensive line, but he just didn't show me a lot this afternoon. 

That said, Polk was pretty solid in pass protection, which is a huge key for a running back at the next level. I still have Polk with a late first-round grade, but he will need to show more during the NFL Combine.

Grade: C-

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Martin was one of the most impressive players from either side during the Senior Bowl. He showed the patience that was missing in Polk's game. He ran extremely well behind the blockers, showed nice strength between the hashes and broke off a couple nice runs. 

What I liked most about Martin today was the fact that he held his own as a blocker against elite competition on defense. The former Boise State star will definitely be jumping up my big board this week.  

Grade: A

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State 

Wow, Mike Adams really had a strong performance today. He was dominating at the line against the likes of Melvin Ingram. There was some question in regards to Adams' technique and ability against speedier pass-rushers.

He proved that he can handle them and then some. 

I had previously moved Adams up to a first-round grade. Today's performance might get him into the Top 20.

Grade: A++

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina 

Quinton Coples did struggle against the run a great deal in the Senior Bowl. Despite this, he was as dominating as any player in the game. In fact, Coples pretty much assured scouts that Kelechi Osemele will only be playing guard at the next level. He dominated the former Iowa State offensive linemen multiple times. 

There is no questioning Coples' talent. Now it is all about him showing consistency and bringing the house on every play. If he is able to do that, there is no doubt he is a top ten pick.

Grade: A

Vinny Curry, DL/LB, Marshall

Athleticism is sometimes overlooked when it comes to scouting defensive ends in college. Vinny Curry not only showed that athleticism today, he showed a tremendous amount of strength. He already has a few pro-ready pass rush moves, which will translate well to the next level. 

He also dropped back into coverage at times, which shows that the former Marshall player does have the ability to play outside linebacker in a 3-4.

What I liked most, however, was the fact that Curry got to the quarterback multiple times.  

Grade: A++

Melvin Ingram, DL/LB, South Carolina 

Ingram played pretty well today, but really looked bad going up against Mike Adams. His struggles were on the outside and not getting past the former Ohio State tackle. I noticed him trying different techniques, which seemed to work a little better later in the game.

This is something that is really important, and I can guarantee scouts were looking at that. 

He pretty much proved to me that he is going to be a project at the next level, but has the athletic ability to be a really good player. He is still a first-round grade.  

Grade: B-

Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina 

This dude can flat out fly. The play he made against Lennon Creer on a screen was absolutely amazing. He read out the play, flew to the ball and made a sure tackle. This is the type of play that continually comes up when watching tape of Brown. 

That said, he did have a hard time avoiding blocks between the hashes, which has been a knock on him due to that smaller frame.

Brown will need to add some bulk in order to be considered a Top 15 pick.  

Grade: B

Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

He looked extremely good in coverage during this game and made a couple huge plays. Considering that the rules of the Senior Bowl disabled the ability to play press coverage, which is a strength of Fleming, he played well outside his comfort zone. 

The strip of Gerell Robinson was a NFL type of play. More than that, he didn't fall for double moves and was solid playing coverage over the top.  

Grade: A+

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

He really struggled today; there isn't any softer way to put it.

He bit a lot on double moves, struggled in man coverage and got turned around a great deal. I had Jenkins as the second-best corner in the draft heading into this game, but I'm not too sure about that after the game. 

We have to remember the level of competition Jenkins was playing against at North Alabama. He really struggled against Joe Adams. The NFL Combine is going to be extremely important for Jenkins, who could find his stock slipping following this performance.

Grade: D-