NFL Draft 2015: Analyzing Prospects Who Will Rise in Rankings Before Draft Day

One of the most interesting things to watch during the NFL draft process is the effort by every prospect to improve his stock. Although most players will stay in the same general vicinity, there's always a group that rises and another that falls in the months before draft day.

Of course, most of the evaluation is done through in-game scouting and watching tape from their college careers. But these are still players on the rise, so the opportunity is there to shine during the workouts and force front offices around the league to take a second look.

With that in mind, let's check out a trio of players worth watching in the weeks ahead. None of them have generated a ton of hype quite yet, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see that change before teams set their final draft boards.

Brett Hundley (QB, UCLA)

A major factor working in Hundley's favor is the widespread need for quarterback upgrades. If he can build off the progress he made as a passer this season during the draft process, interest should skyrocket—perhaps enough to push him into the first round.

He has one last chance to stand out on Friday when UCLA takes on Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl. One game isn't going to completely change the outlook, but it could very well set the tone for his rise. It's something he understands, as he explained to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News (subscription required).

"Every game is an audition," Hundley said. "We're just out here playing football. I don't like to overthink something, but at the same time, you know what's on the table. Every game, I try to show what I can do, and everybody can make their judgment."

The one aspect Hundley needed to show improvement this season was his decision-making ability, and he did. There were still times where he tucked the ball too soon instead of standing tall in the pocket and trying to deliver the pass. But the number of head-shaking mistakes dropped.

He's a quarterback with a terrific arm and the quickness to escape the pocket to make plays with his legs. Whichever coaching staff gets him will need to work on his reads and developing a better understanding of when he needs to just step up in the pocket rather than trying to run.

The total package is intriguing. Given the need around the league, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a team trade up into the back end of Round 1 to nab him—as long as he impresses during the process.

Ty Montgomery (WR, Stanford)

Make no mistake, Montgomery is a raw talent. That showed this season when teams started shading a safety in his direction consistently to take away the big play. His route running needs work to offset that and also explains why he finished with the same number of catches but more than 350 fewer yards.

That said, the tools are pretty much off the charts. He's got ideal size, outstanding speed—which led to him also making an impact on special teams—and good hands. A lack of polish in the finer points of the position has prevented him from being considered among the top receivers in the class.

He'll get a chance to change that at the Senior Bowl. He's one of several prospects at the position battling to get noticed. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports pointed out some of the players he'll be trying to outshine to improve his stock:

At a time of the year where the buzzword is always "potential," Montgomery has no shortage of it. As long as he shows it, his rise will come. A team confident it can work out the wrinkles in his game could then grab him late in the first or early in the second and have a potential steal on its hands.

Cam Thomas (CB, Western Kentucky)

It's not particularly a surprise a defensive back from Western Kentucky hasn't received much attention. That's especially true since the team gave up nearly 40 points per game. But Thomas was a rare bright spot and should soon enter the spotlight.

He's a solid cover corner who's not afraid to take chances in order to make a big play. Depending on the scheme he enters, the staff may ask him to limit some of that risk, but his playmaking ability should be an asset at the next level.

Another thing working in his favor is size. He checks in at 6'1'', 190 pounds, giving him a prototypical frame in an era where teams are trying to get bigger and more physical on the outside. They are all starting to follow the lead of the Seattle Seahawks.

Right now, Thomas is generally viewed as a mid-round selection. Once he moves into the individual spotlight, he should be able to push himself toward the second round. He needs some work on his technique, but he could play a rotational role right away before moving into a starting spot down the line.