NFL Combine 2012: Russell Wilson and More Sleeper QBs Who Must Shine

Quarterback is the most important position in the NFL, so it's no surprise prospects at the position are watched more carefully than any other. Every team would love a chance to take Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, but more likely it's going to be left hoping for a sixth-round steal like Tom Brady.

With that in mind, here are three QB sleepers who must have a good showing at the NFL combine to boost their value before draft weekend.

Russell Wilson

Wilson is suffering from a problem many players at the position before him have endured: a lack of height. His physical tools in terms of arm strength and accuracy are at an NFL level, but at just 5'11' teams will undoubtedly have questions about his ability to succeed at the next level.

It will be crucial for him to show off enough talent that teams are able to look past his size. It's a helpful component of being a QB for sure, but Drew Brees has proven it isn't a deathblow to a career by any means. A player can still be successful without ideal height.

One thing that could be a saving grace for Wilson is his mobility. He should post top-tier numbers among QBs in the speed drills, which will cause teams to take another look at him.

Case Keenum

Houston's run toward an undefeated season allowed Keenum to gain some national recognition he previously wasn't receiving, including from scouts. It's hard to ignore a college career that featured nearly 20,000 yards passing and 155 touchdowns.

Those numbers were complied against mostly inferior defenses, though, which is why his draft stock is so low. He needs to prove he can stand out from the crowd when there are a bunch of talented quarterbacks right alongside him trying to do the same thing.

Accuracy has never been a problem, but arm strength is an issue. Keenum needs to have a lot of success on those deep out routes to the sideline and fly patterns or risk going undrafted.

Kellen Moore

Like Keenum, Moore was able to put up monster numbers playing in a non-BCS conference. There a lot of similarities between the two players, but Moore has the advantage of playing in more marquee and high-pressure games at Boise State.

While that big-game experience will help him, he still needs a strong outing at the combine to prove he deserves an NFL opportunity. He's one of the best decision-makers in the entire class, but those traits don't tend to get highlighted in this type of environment.

That means he'll have to rely on his throwing ability to shine through because he's a pure pocket passer. There are a lot of things to like about Moore, but he's still got a lot of work to do to convince teams he's a smart pick.