Bowl Predictions: 20 Players Who Could Rise in Draft with Big Bowl Performances

Where a player gets drafted can mean millions of dollars.

As the regular season is coming to a close, there are fewer opportunities for seniors and other draft-eligible players to make an impression on NFL scouts.

Heisman front-runner Andrew Luck doesn't need to prove anything else—he will likely be the No. 1 overall pick.

But then there are players like Baylor's Kendall Wright. He's talented, but he needs to keep proving it with every play.

Wright is not alone, as there are hundreds of players who need to take advantage of the opportunities when they are presented.

So here are 20 players that could move up the draft board with a good showing in a bowl game.

Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia

West Virginia's Bruce Irvin is a freak of nature, but his final season in Morgantown has not been as impressive as last year.

Offenses have double-teamed him most of the year, so he's only managed 5.5 sacks.

Irvin still intrigues NFL scouts because of his raw physical skills.

WVU may find a way into a BCS bowl and that would be a nice platform for Irvin.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

Texas A&M's Jeff Fuller has been compared to Plaxico Burress, but he hasn't lived up to the billing.

Fuller is a big receiver and was considered a second- or third-round pick when the season began. However, he seems to lack the speed that a receiver needs to be successful at the NFL level.

Fuller has frustrated his coaches with how often he drops passes.

Overall, it's been a pretty frustrating season for the Aggies, so A&M won't get a premiere bowl game.

But if Fuller can put on a show, he could prove the preseason rankings weren't that far off.

Today's draft prediction: sixth round

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Lamar Miller won't get a chance to improve his standing because the Hurricanes have announced they won't go to a bowl game this year.

Now Miller may choose to return to Miami, but if he goes he'll need to impress the scouts at the combine or an NFL day at Miami.

If Miller does return for another year in Coral Gables, he could move up to be a second-round pick in 2013.

Today's draft prediction: fourth round

Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina

It's not like scouts aren't impressed with Alshon Jeffrey, but he could still improve his overall draft standing.

South Carolina will most likely end up in the Outback Bowl against a solid Big Ten team.

Now, Jeffrey's numbers have fallen off this year, and that has caused him to slip a bit in the first round.

If Jeffrey can reassert himself against a Penn State or Nebraska, scouts will remember why they loved him so much before.

Today's draft prediction: first round

Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Dont'a Hightower is a great college linebacker, but there are some in the NFL who aren't sold on him as a top talent.

Hightower and the Crimson Tide will likely get another shot at LSU in the BCS championship game. If Hightower can deliver on the college game's biggest stage, it may be tough for the scouts to overlook it.

Plus, it's tough to overlook a talent like Hightower coming out of a program like Alabama. He's worth the pick.

Today's draft prediction: second round

Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Nick Toon has the pedigree, but his career at Wisconsin has not quite lived up to expectations.

Toon has an NFL build and has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver.

But there are also doubts.

He could make a move up the draft boards with a big bowl performance. He may also help his cause if Wisconsin gets into the Big Ten championship game.

Today's draft prediction: second round

Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

One thing is clear about Travis Lewis...he's one tough football player.

That normally plays well in the NFL.

When he broke a toe and was supposed to be out for eight weeks, Lewis was back after missing just one game.

Lewis came back this year to win a championship, but he won't get that chance.

Today's draft prediction: second round

Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech's All-American corner, has not had a great season.

He's actually dropped from a late first-rounder to a potential third-round pick.

Hosley could really use a big ACC Championship Game and potential BCS bowl to remind us all why he's so good.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

Omar Bolden has been out all season recovering from a knee injury suffered in spring practice.

However, Bolden could see action in a bowl game and if he shows the same flash that he did before the injury, it could catch the eye of many scouts.

Bolden would also need a strong showing at the combine, but it's clear getting back on the field is a key component to moving up the draft board.

Today's draft prediction: fourth round

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

David Wilson is enjoying a superb season as the feature running back for Virginia Tech.

He has rushed for 1,442 yards and seven touchdowns with one regular-season game remaining and the ACC Championship to go.

Still, he's considered a second-string back in the NFL right now.

If the Hokies defeat Clemson in the ACC title game, Virginia Tech will likely get the Big East champ in the Orange Bowl.

If that turns out to be Louisville, I wouldn't expect that to help Wilson's standing too much. Now, if he goes off for like, 225 yards, then it might make a difference.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Daniel "Boom" Herron, RB, Ohio State

Dan Herron has played in just six games this season for Ohio State following a five-game suspension to start the season.

"Boom" has managed to be Ohio State's second leading rusher with 553 yards, but his lack of time on the field has damaged his draft status.

Herron's performance in the games he has played has been beneficial, so having another strong performance in a bowl should help.

But is there a chance the Buckeyes will forgo a bowl to appease the NCAA? We'll have to wait and see if Ohio State follows Miami, Fla. on this path.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

Iowa's Marvin McNutt is having another strong season as the Hawkeyes' No. 1 receiver and top deep threat.

McNutt has 12 touchdown receptions and more than 1,200 yards receiving.

He should become a solid No. 2 receiver at the next level.

But he has a chance to prove he's more than that.

Today's draft prediction: fourth round

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Oregon's LaMichael James offers great value as a third-round pick. I'd argue he does the same in the second round.

But some NFL teams may shy away from him because of his smaller build.

That's a mistake.

James is going to be a productive back, and he'll also be a plus on special teams.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson has actually been better than anyone at Wisconsin could have expected.

If not for two late losses to Michigan State and Ohio State, Wisconsin would be preparing for a showdown with LSU in the BCS championship.

Wilson would also be preparing his Heisman speech.

But it didn't work out that perfect for Wilson.

Give him a big bowl performance and Wilson will fly up the charts with some NFL teams.

Today's draft prediction: fourth round

Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

Arkansas' Joe Adams is the Razorbacks' second-leading receiver, but his numbers are down.

Adams has just 46 catches for 595 yards and three touchdowns.

Where he adds value is on special teams, and he is still a talented receiver who needs to remind the scouts of his ability.

A strong bowl performance will help his cause.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

Getting into a bowl game would be a huge reward for Vinny Curry, who has been a stalwart on the Marshall defensive line.

But the Herd must get by East Carolina this week to get to 6-6. A win could also give Marshall the Conference USA East Division championship.

So maybe there isn't much more for Curry to prove, but facing another bowl-caliber opponent will give everyone a chance to appreciate how good this guy really is.

Today's draft prediction: second round

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Don't be shocked when Mohamed Sanu is taken with a late pick in the first round.

The Rutgers receiver is so physically gifted that some teams are going to fall in love with his potential.

He has starred at Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights don't draw the scouts like the SEC teams.

Give this guy a shot against a strong opponent in a bowl game and everyone will see what the rest of the Big East knows—this guy is good.

Today's draft prediction: second round

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Kendall Wright has proven to be one of the luckiest receivers in the nation in 2011.

Luck aside, Wright is a key receiver and has played a role in helping Robert Griffin III have a Heisman-like season.

Baylor and Wright deserve a good bowl game, and Wright will prove to be tough to cover for any opponent. That's exactly what the scouts need to see more of from him.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Tight ends don't usually draw a ton of attention during the NFL draft, but Coby Fleener is a valuable player who will draw some interest.

He's a favorite target of Andrew Luck and has the potential to be a Jason Witten-type of tight end.

Fleener is a tough football player who can also play on a kickoff or kickoff return team for someone next year.

Stanford could end up in a BCS bowl game, so Fleener is going to get a nice opportunity.

Today's draft prediction: third round

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill has just two seasons as the starting quarterback, but he has made a strong impression.

How much the Aggies' lackluster season has had on Tannehill's standing with scouts is not completely clear.

A&M opened the season as a Top 10 program, but now they are 6-5.

Tannehill has still thrown for close to 3,200 yards and 26 touchdowns.

A good bowl performance can't hurt him.

Today's draft prediction: fourth round