2012 NFL Mock Draft: Senior Bowl Prospects Whose Draft Stock Has Decreased

It was a telling Senior Bowl, and the first step in the transition from college to pro football. Clearly, there were those who stood out, didn't change their draft stock and then those who de-valued themselves significantly.

That being said, here are four seniors who dropped stock and need to quickly gather themselves before the combine.

Brandon Weeden: QB, Oklahoma State

A slated fourth-rounder before the Senior Bowl, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden showcased his interception-prone self this past weekend, not his accurate/relying on Justin Blackmon self as he did each of the past two seasons.

Despite only attempting nine passes and completing five of them, Weeden threw two interceptions and was sacked once. His inability to make quick and smart decisions on a consistent basis was exploited by tougher competition and the lack of confidence on most throws.

He only compiled 56 yards and 24 of them came on one play. If Weeden doesn't manage to improve with confidence under center, having better communication and chemistry from now until the draft, he'll be lucky to go late in round five.

At least then however, there won't be nearly as much pressure to succeed.

Jeff Fuller: WR, Texas A&M

A slew of drops throughout the week of practice, Jeff Fuller didn't do anything in the Senior Bowl to make up for his overall evaluation.

Although he caught three passes for 19 yards, he did have a drop and it's clear that his size had no affect when trying to get open. Quarterback's were then aware of this and didn't target him nearly as much, while cornerbacks knew they could beat him by staying physical.

Unless Fuller can learn to use his strength and size to his advantage while proving to fend off physical defenders, his early fifth-round status heading into the Senior Bowl has plummeted to maybe a late sixth-rounder at best.

For Fuller's sake, let's hope a lack of production and numbers will motivate him to show up big time at the combine.

Mike Brewster: Center, Ohio State

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Mike Brewster was a projected late third/early fourth-round pick. However, after getting exposed by quicker and more physically dominant defensive linemen, Brewster failed to impress at practice.

This, to some extent, doesn't come as a surprise since he's used to a scrambling quarterback making plays behind him, as well as not facing too speedy tackles like he saw during practice and the game. Brewster must improve at not getting caught on his heels while also having more patience.

He is athletic and strong enough to withstand better opponents but must develop an attitude also. He can't rely on a scrambling quarterback in the NFL, especially against much quicker, faster and stronger competition.

Best case-scenario for Brewster right now is being a mid to late fifth-rounder.

Zebrie Sanders: OT, Florida State

Thanks to facing some of college football's best pass rushers during practice and in the Senior Bowl, Florida State's Zebrie Sanders knows he has a lot of work to improve.

The South's defenders like Melvin Ingram, Quinton Coples and Seminole teammate Nigel Bradham did work all week, along with the North's Cam Johnson. Sanders was flat footed, a bit lazy but, in short, simply out-matched.

Everyone was quicker off the snap, stayed lower thus gaining leverage and ultimately stronger. Considered a late first/early second-rounder before the Senior Bowl, Sanders will drop into the mid rounds at best, provided that his combine and pro days are also unimpressive.

Still, with great size and potential athleticism, Zebrie can regain his former draft status before late April.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati (From OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Mohamed Sanu, WR (Rutgers)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	25. Denver Broncos: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Janoris Jenkins, CB (North Alabama)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Brandon Thompson, DE (Clemson)	32. New England Patriots: Chase Minnifield, (UVA)

John Rozum on Twitter.