BCS Bowl Projections: 4 Players Whose Draft Stock Could Soar

The bowl games are the last auditions for college players trying to boost their NFL draft stock. Pro scouts can't watch every game throughout the season, so the bowl games are sometimes the only time they view certain players live.

With BCS Bowls, the players get an even bigger audience. And, by playing on a bigger stage, they can do even more to impress NFL evaluators. Here are four players who, if they make it to a BCS Bowl as predicted, could immensely raise their draft value by having big games.

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State Cowboys

Brandon Weeden has had an excellent season this year with the Oklahoma State Cowboys (with the exception of one game). He's thrown for 4,111 yards and 34 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

He's got good size, a strong arm, and above average pocket mobility. However, the fact that he's 28 years old could hurt his draft stock. He also played very poorly in the Cowboys' last game against the Iowa State Cyclones.

Weeden could use a good showing against the Cowboys' rival the Oklahoma Sooners as well as another big game in a potential BCS bowl in order to make himself more attractive to NFL teams. He's got the tools to be an NFL quarterback, but needs to show he's got the poise and leadership necessary to win big games.

Marquis Maze, Alabama Crimson Tide

Marquis Maze has had a good (but not great) senior season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has posted career highs in yards and receptions with 627 and 56, respectively. However, he's only caught one touchdown all year.

Moreover, Maze has not done much in the Crimson Tide's recent games. He had over 100 yards receiving in the opener and had an 83 yard punt return touchdown in the Tide's fourth game against the Arkansas Razorbacks, but he only has 145 receiving yards in the last four games combined.

Coming up with a big play in Alabama's rematch with the LSU Tigers could garner a lot of attention and boost Maze's draft stock.

LaMichael James, Oregon Ducks

LaMichael James is a very speedy runner who has put up astronomical numbers with the Oregon Ducks, but he is still very questionable as a pro prospect.

At 5'9'' and just 185 pounds he is woefully undersized and has shown a lack of patience and vision at times. It will definitely be difficult for him to switch from the spread, a system where he fits in much better.

Most importantly, he has been very mediocre throughout his career in big games and against good defenses. He only had 49 yards in last year's BCS National Championship Game, 54 yards this year against the LSU Tigers, and 78 yards a few weeks ago against the USC Trojans.

If he can light up the defense of whichever Big Ten team they end up facing in the Rose Bowl, perhaps NFL teams will view him more positively. He certainly has some upside with his speed and agility.

David Wilson, Virginia Tech Hokies

After getting limited carries while playing behind Ryan Williams and Darren Evans his first two years, Virginia Tech Hokies running back David Wilson has really blossomed this season.

He started the season with little to no draft stock, and now he is projected by some to be a first-round draft pick. If he has a big game today in the ACC Championship Game and he plays well in the subsequent BCS bowl, David Wilson could really solidify his draft stock.

Despite playing behind a sub-par offensive line, Wilson is fifth in the nation in rushing yards per game at 132.9 and has rushed for 1,595 yards in the year. However, with the Hokies' weak schedule, he hasn't had many marquee games to showcase his talent. As such, a big BCS bowl performance would be huge.