NFL Combine 2012: Offensive Prospects That Stood out and Improved Draft Stock

So far at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, more than a few players have increased as well as decreased their draft stock.

And aside from the top prospects like Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Justin Blackmon, other projected mid-rounders have made a solid case to become, at worst, Round 2 selections.

That said, here's a look at a few offensive prospects that stood out.

Stephen Hill: WR, Georgia Tech

Heading into the NFL Combine, we couldn't really expect much from Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill. For one, he only caught 28 passes for 820 yards and scored just five touchdowns in 2011. Not to mention, Hill still had another year of eligibility.

However, it didn't help that he also played in a run-heavy offense that rarely threw the ball, so Hill actually improved his footwork since he spent a lot of time trying to block defensive backs. And let's face it, the Yellow Jackets ground game doesn't dominate without great blocks downfield by receivers.

As for the combine, that helped Hill as he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, 4.48 in the 20-yard shuttle, 6.88 in the 3-cone drill and 11.48 in the 60-yard shuttle. The thing is, Hill comes in at 6'4", 215 pounds, so it's obvious that smaller receivers will move quicker.

Still, Hill proved with his size that he has the speed, lateral agility and footwork to be a legit No. 1 receiver in 2012. Previously considered a late second/early third-round pick, Hill can move up into the bottom of Round 1 with a strong pro day.

Kirk Cousins: QB, Michigan State

After Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the debate remains as to who is the third-best quarterback this draft. Well, Michigan State's Kirk Cousins definitely made a case on Sunday.

His arm proved to be stronger than advertised, he was quick in the 3-cone drill (7.05 seconds)—which is arguably the most important footwork and balance drill for quarterbacks—and had impressive, consistent accuracy in the passing drills.

This should come as no surprise though, because Cousins simply kept improving with each season under center for the Spartans. Every year he improved in yards, touchdowns and number of completions. He was considered a late third-round prospect before his senior season.

Now, after a stellar 2011 season and impressive showing at the combine, he's potentially a mid-to-late second-rounder.

There, Cousins hit over 3,300 passing yards with a 25:10 touchdown/interception ratio. The man also led Michigan State to a Big Ten title in 2010 and runner-up in 2011. In short, Cousins knows how to win while improving, and continues to raise his football IQ.

LaMichael James: RB, Oregon

Currently projected as a late third/early fourth-rounder, Oregon's LaMichael James proved to be much better than that at the combine.

In the 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle, he finished in the top three among running backs. We knew LaMichael was fast, but his short-area quickness, acceleration and lateral agility was quite impressive.

If anything, James displayed great balance and control while maintaining good explosion and vision. After all, ball carrier vision is one of the more important attributes for a running back as well as immediate reactionary skills.

Plus, with Alabama's Trent Richardson not participating, James had even more reason to stand out. Considering that he accumulated almost 5,100 rushing yards and scored 53 rushing touchdowns in three seasons with the Ducks, LaMichael was bound to shine on his first step into the NFL draft.

With a strong pro day, he can potentially move into the middle of the Second Round.

John Rozum on Twitter.