2012 NFL Draft: 7 Players Rising Up Draft Boards

The 2012 NFL Draft is a little less than a month away. The combine came and went, and Pro Days are nearing an end, so for many prospects, there are no more opportunities to showcase their talents. Still, that doesn't mean players' stocks aren't fluctuating.

Let's take a look at some of those whose stocks are improving.

Ryan Tannehill: QB, Texas A&M

Scouts are very divided on the prospects of Tannehill. Some view him as a first-round talent, while others believe he is more in the third- or fourth-round range. Regardless, after his impressive Pro Day and the free agency period, Tannehill's stock is soaring. 

After Luck and Griffin, it's clearly Tannehill. And with many teams in need of improved quarterback play, Tannehill will definitely be picked in the top half of the first round. 

Given the Miami Dolphins' pursuit of Peyton Manning, Alex Smith and Matt Flynn, it is clear they are looking for a QB to replace Matt Moore. Picking at No. 8, they just might grab Tannehill. 

Melvin Ingram: DE/OLB, South Carolina

At one point, many were projecting Quinton Coples as the definite first DE off the board. Now the tide has shifted, and Melvin Ingram has entered the discussion.

After an impressive combine where he ran a 4.7 40-yard dash and displayed great strength, Ingram is projected by some to even be picked ahead of Coples.

Jacksonville is in desperate need of a pass-rusher, so a No. 7 selection for Ingram is a definite possibility. Or, if Miami doesn't grab Tannehill, Ingram may be selected at No. 8.

Coby Fleener: TE, Stanford

Thanks to an impressive Pro Day, Fleener's stock shifted from possible first-round pick to almost certain first-round pick. 

Fleener was already an intriguing prospect given the pass-catching ability he displayed at Stanford and the emergence of TEs in the NFL passing game. But at his Pro Day, he showcased his athleticism when he posted a 37-inch vertical jump and ran an unofficial 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. 

Fleener has now become the No. 1 TE for many scouts and will be taken off the board sooner rather than later come April.

Kendall Wright: WR, Baylor

Lately, Kendall Wright's stock has been fluctuating. First, he was the wide receiver to keep an eye on at the combine. Then, he ran a 4.61 40-yard dash, and scouts seemed to question him as a first-round pick. Now, after he ran a 4.41 at his pro day, he's redeemed in the eyes of scouts.

Wright is an absolute burner. His explosiveness and deep play ability make him an asset to any offense. 

He is now projected now to go towards the end of the first round, with the ability to jump into the teens.

Dontari Poe: DT, Memphis

Ever since the NFL Combine, Poe's stock has been rising. Poe displayed incredible speed, running a 4.9 40-yard dash at 225 pounds. He also showcased unreal strength with 44 reps on the bench press, the highest mark of the combine.

Poe immediately shot up draft boards and still finds himself moving up. Once thought of as a late-first-round pick, Poe might find himself being taken in the Top 10.

Stephen Hill: WR, Georgia Tech

Hill is another player whose stock has continuously risen following the combine. A deep threat like Wright, Hill ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and posted a broad jump of 11'1''.

Hill seems to be behind Wright, but not by much. Since the combine, Hill seems to have solidified his place as a late-first-round selection, possibly to the Ravens, Texans or 49ers.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

The only concern about Blackmon entering his Pro Day was his speed. Well, Blackmon put an end to those concerns when he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash.

Blackmon was already regarded as a likely Top 10 pick, but when you consider this free agency period proved that teams are willing to pay a premium for talent on the outside, it seems guaranteed he will now be selected in the Top Eight.