NFL Combine 2012: Mid-Round Wide Receivers Who Will See Draft Stock Increase

Atop the wide receiver prospects, guys like Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery will be closely watched at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

And with offense being such a high-priority these days, the receiver position has a lot of potential talent in the middle rounds compared to most other areas. So, here's a look at some current projected mid-rounders with potential to see a significant draft stock increase after February.

Juron Criner, Arizona

Quarterback Nick Foles' main man, Juron Criner recorded 22 touchdowns between 2010 and 2011 with almost 2,200 yards as well.

With 157 receptions made, Criner kept that rolling into the Senior Bowl and has great potential to become a No. 1 receiver. He's 6'4", 215 pounds and can run virtually any route on the field. Criner's size is obvious for jump balls and taking hits over the middle, but it's his ability to break tackles that's arguably most impressive.

Now, Criner doesn't have ridiculous speed like Baylor's Kendall Wright, however, can still beat most single coverage situations and derive attention to leave his teammates in more favorable positions.

At the combine, watch for his change of direction on routes as he could improve at sharpening up the patterns.

Dwight Jones, North Carolina

The next best Tar Heel receiver in line, Dwight Jones has the 6'4", 225-pound frame to really explode as a rookie in 2012. Now, although he didn't have a breakout campaign until 2011 with almost 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns on 85 receptions, Jones has all the tangible qualities.

The concern, however, was a underachieving display at the Senior Bowl week, but then again, it's not completely telling of Jones' ability. He has explosion, can be a great deep threat and with development, would be a dominant edge run-blocker on outside linebackers and defensive backs.

But, because of that poor showing during the Senior Bowl week, Jones will be subject to even more scrutiny with another disappointing performance at the combine.

Here, we'll really see Dwight's true potential in responding to a tough situation. In other words, it's his intangible qualities that are of most concern. Given that he can stretch a defense, draw double-teams and get solid yards after the catch, the question is consistency and shear motivation.

A strong showing will no doubt boost his stock, but a weak display will drop him significantly.

Joe Adams, Arkansas

One of the more versatile and dynamic receivers in the draft, Arkansas' Joe Adams may appear a bit undersized at 5'11", 190 pounds, but has great potential to be a No.1 target.

As a receiver for the Razorbacks, Adams averaged 677 yards each of the past three seasons and totaled 104 receptions between 2010 and 2011. He even became a horizontal rushing threat last season with 139 yards on 10 carries including one touchdown.

Special teams however, is his best and most dangerous area.

Serving as a punt returner for the past two years, Adams collected 570 yards on 62 attempts, thus averaging almost 10 yards per return. As a senior though, Adams did the most damage by taking four back for touchdowns despite a gauntlet schedule in the SEC West.

So, regardless of who drafts Adams and when, he'll make for a reliable punt returner and slot receiver as a rookie.

John Rozum on Twitter.