2011 Bowl Games: Players Whose Draft Stock Will Rise in National Spotlight

For prospects hidden from the nation throughout the season, bowl games are critical for them to gain attention heading into the NFL draft.

Some are on bad teams, some play in mediocre conferences and some simply haven't been noticed, despite excellent play.

As we get set for bowl season, here are five prospects you should be looking at in the 2011 bowl games.

5. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Kendall Wright has been overshadowed by the spectacular play of Heisman finalist Robert Griffin III this season, but there's no doubt he's incredibly dangerous out on the field.

This season, he has 101 receptions for 1,572 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Baylor Bears have surprised the nation.

He's already beginning to show up in the first round of NFL mock drafts, and added exposure against Washington in the Alamo Bowl will only spotlight his abilities more.

4. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

I've been lauding Mohamed Sanu for a while now, but playing on Rutgers hasn't given him much exposure.

This season, Sanu racked up 109 receptions for 1,144 yards and seven touchdowns. He's also shown the ability in the past to be an asset surprising defenses out of the backfield.

Sanu faces Iowa State in the Pinstripe Bowl, and I already have him as a fringe first-round prospect.

3. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

North Carolina has been fairly disappointing this season, but outside linebacker Zach Brown has not.

Brown has skyrocketed up most draft boards this season, racking up 91 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, displaying the ability to be a complete player on the football field.

He's also had big games against ranked teams Clemson and Virginia Tech.

Brown faces Missouri in the Independence Bowl.

2. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

There are some character concerns associated with Michael Floyd, given he's had three alcohol-related offenses while at Notre Dame, but on the field he's been explosive.

This season, despite a shaky quarterback situation, Floyd has racked up 95 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns.

He's dominated against almost everybody this season and he had eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown against Stanford to end the regular season.

Floyd is the third-best receiver on most NFL draft experts' big boards.

Floyd faces Florida State in the Champs Sports bowl.

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

B/R's own Matt Miller has been touting Robert Griffin III since September, but it took a while for the rest of the national media to warm up to Baylor's star quarterback.

Griffin is a leading Heisman candidate this season. He's not only rushed for 644 yards and nine touchdowns, he's passed for nearly 4,000 yards with 36 touchdowns to six interceptions.

He's done this against some top competition and led the Bears to an upset of then-No. 5 Oklahoma in the final seconds on Nov. 19.

The scary thing is Griffin may actually be more dangerous in the pocket than on the ground.

He's a top-10 NFL prospect and is the second-best quarterback prospect behind Andrew Luck in my mind.