2012 NFL Draft: 8 Prospects Who Need a Great Bowl Game

As the college football season progresses, the potential bowl participants are beginning to become more clear.

The bowl contests will highlight a number of prospects for the 2012 NFL draft.  They will be a good indicator of how some of the nation's best prospects perform on a big stage.

There are several starlets who could use a dominant performance in a bowl game to answer some of the questions still remaining about their pro suitability.

A standout performance on a national stage is the best way to ease any doubts still persisting in the minds of league scouts.

Here are eight 2012 draft prospects who would benefit from a positive bowl performance.

8. Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas

Diminutive return specialist Joe Adams is steadily building an impressive reputation on an Arkansas team that many predict will represent the SEC in a bowl game.

Adams has taken advantage of injuries to some of his more illustrious teammates to emerge as a consistent big play threat for the Razorbacks.

Likely considered a reach in the draft due to his lack of size, Adams is a dangerous returner, blessed with tremendous change of direction speed and above average hands.

Given the recent success of players like DeSean Jackson, Adams could further boost his rising stock with a strong bowl showing.

7. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Scandal and turmoil could destroy the bowl prospects of Penn State. But if the shamed institution does go onto to represent the Big Ten on Dec. 31, then Devon Still will need a big game.

The ultra-talented, but inconsistent Still could use a strong bowl showing to cement his status as the best collegiate defensive tackle in the country.

Still has been dominant at times this season and leads his conference in tackles for loss. A powerful and aggressive player at the point of attack, Still needs to prove that he has put his former inconsistency behind him.

6. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Not as potentially scheme versatile as Stills, Clemson's Brandon Thompson could overtake Stills on many draft boards, with a strong performance if Clemson represent the ACC at bowl level.

Clemson are arguably the finest team in the ACC, and much of that reputation is down to the play of a defense led by Thompson.

The 6'2" 310-pounder is a big body in the middle of the line, who specialises in occupying blockers and driving the pocket back.

Not as spectacular as Still, Thompson is a natural anchor for a four man line and is a guaranteed, solid performer.

5. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

It's hard to fathom that a player who is on course to lead the nation in rushing for a second-straight year, would have anything left to prove.

But a lack of prototypical size still figures to hinder the draft prospects of Oregon speedster LaMichael James.

Despite his stellar production, James remains a question mark for many pro scouts. His 5'9" 195-pound frame raises natural doubts about his durability as an every down back.

4. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Crimson Tide linebacker Dont'a Hightower is an interesting prospect for the 2012 NFL draft. Hightower is a 'tweener type, who could be difficult to define at the pro level.

Standing 6'4" and weighing 260 pounds, Hightower is ostensibly listed as an inside linebacker in Alabama's multiple defensive schemes.

But he may not have the speed and range to man the middle of a 4-3 front in the NFL. His size seems more suited to moving outside in a 3-4 defense.

Alabama are widely expected to be the SEC representative in the Sugar Bowl, and Hightower needs to showcase his full skill set and convince scouts that he can fit into a pro defense.

3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

If Boise State merit a bowl invitation, then Kellen Moore should take the opportunity to prove he can be a successful NFL passer, despite his lack of prototypical size.

The 6'0" 191-pound signal-caller is likely to overlooked by many teams in the draft because of his small stature.

But Moore is an extremely accurate and efficient passer. He distributes the football intelligently and quickly diagnoses coverages.

He may lack elite arm strength, but Moore is a quarterback who excels at throwing to a spot and hitting his receivers in stride.

Scouts could be put off by the Moore's lack of size, but similar concerns were once raised about Drew Brees.

2. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Savvy and athletic signal-caller Russell Wilson can increase his draft standing by delivering a spectacular performance at the Rose Bowl, for Big Ten powerhouse Wisconsin.

Wilson was an underrated performer last year for North Carolina State. But his performances for the Badgers have rightfully brought Wilson some national attention.

Confident in the pocket, Wilson possesses a comprehensive range and is very precise with his throws. If he can produce a commanding display on one of college football's biggest stages, then Wilson may creep into the first or second round on many draft boards.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

It may seem ridiculous to suggest that Stanford's statuesque passer Andrew Luck needs to do anything to enhance his incredible reputation.

But Luck merits inclusion on this list thanks to his indifferent recent showing against Oregon. The usually flawless quarterback lost his composure at crucial times and his pocket presence under pressure was shaky.

It's hard to recall many college prospects who garnered the level of hype that Luck has. He is treated as a universally certain NFL success by every scout, analyst and pundit.

Given the amount of pressure he is under to deliver, as well as the level of scrutiny he is going to face as the draft draws near, Luck might actually need a stellar bowl performance more than most.

Bowl inclusion offers the perfect opportunity for the leading draft prospects to either enhance their standing, or erase any lingering doubts.

These players could have the opportunity to prove they can handle the pressure and attention of a big game. There are few better recommendations for the NFL.