2011 NFL Draft: Five Players on the Rise After the Weekend

After an intense weekend of college football (and turkey consumption), many players are on the move up and down draft boards. We take a look at those players who improved their stock for the 2011 NFL Draft most after a great weekend of play.

Can anyone overtake Andrew Luck as the No. 1 overall player? We'll find out soon enough.

Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Bowers' name has been high on the 2011 NFL Draft radar all season long, but after a great weekend and more film study, Bowers is really on the move.

Few defensive linemen have this combination of speed, agility, size and strength. How many 275-pound men can run a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash?

Bowers is a finalist for the Bednarik Trophy, a high honor for college defenders.

Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Armando Allen Jr., #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is tackled in the end zone for a safety by Ryan Kerrigan #94 and Bruce Gaston #90 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, In

Kerrigan's name on the top of draft boards should not be surprising, especially since he was named to Lombardi Award (outstanding lineman), Lott Trophy (Defensive Impact Player of the Year) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player) watch lists before the season started.

Kerrigan doesn't dominate at any one aspect of the game, but his solid and consistent play from defensive end has NFL general managers buzzing.

Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

Carimi's name has been up and down the list all season long, but as the Draft gets closer, he is settling near the top of all draft boards.

Carimi has been incredibly solid despite facing some of college football's best defensive ends this season. Don't be surprised if Carimi is a top 15 pick when the 2011 Draft gets here.

Kenny Tate, Free Safety, Maryland

Tate has been injured throughout his college career, but now that he is healthy, he's been assaulting ACC offenses.

His size, athleticism, and ball skills will make him a late first-round pick in the 2011 Draft...should be choose to declare.

Andy Dalton, Quarterback, TCU

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs throws a pass against the Utah Utes during the second half of an NCAA Football game November 6, 2010 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. TCU Beat Utah 47-7.

Dalton, an All-American in 2009, is among college football's best quarterbacks. He is a proven winner, and surprising underrated among NFL draft writers and scouts.

Dalton combines moxie, accuracy and great fundamentals, but he is also a winner and will be a very fine NFL quarterback.