2012 NFL Mock Draft: Case Keenum and More QBs Who Must Shine in Bowl Games

Every quarterback with the possibility to be selected in the 2012 NFL draft needs to perform well in their respective bowl game, but some guys need it much more than others.

An outstanding game to finish the year could be the difference between being drafted in the third round or the sixth round. 

Of course, the combine and pre-draft workouts are chances for players to make up ground, but the best opportunity these athletes have is the final game of the year.

With that said, here are three quarterbacks who must shine bright in their bowl game. 

Case Keenum 

The sixth-year senior from the Houston Cougars broke all kinds of records this year, and he should remain atop the NCAA list for most passing yards in a career. However, some will claim he is just another product of the system and not fit for the NFL.

On January 2, Keenum has a chance to prove his doubters wrong when he takes on Penn State in the TicketCity Bowl. This will be the toughest defense Keenum and has faced all year, and he needs to make sure he has a much better game than he did in the Conference USA Championship Game. 

The Nittany Lions are 10th in the country in total defense and ranked fifth in pass defense. Keenum has the opportunity to greatly increase his draft status, but if he fails, he could be waiting a long time to hear his name called. 

Brandon Weeden 

He may be 28-years-old, but the Oklahoma State Cowboys' QB is a very talented passer. Weeden was never really challenged this season, but that will change in the Fiesta Bowl when he battles Stanford. 

The Cardinal rank 25th in the league in total defense, and with so much time to prepare, they'll be ready to slow down Weeden and his favorite target, Justin Blackmon. 

If Weeden can outshine Andrew Luck on the big stage, it will do wonders for him as he preps for the draft. 

Projected as a mid-round QB, Weeden has to make the most of his last collegiate game. A sloppy performance by Weeden will be drastic to his draft stock.

Kirk Cousins 

The Michigan State Spartans QB did his job by improving this year, but failing to win the Big Ten was a crushing blow. 

His last college game will be in the Outback Bowl against a very talented Georgia Bulldogs defense. A bad game will be extremely detrimental to his draft status. 

However, should Cousins dominate against the No. 3 defense in the country, he could see his name be mentioned as a second-round draft pick.

Cousins' knowledge for the game and his great accuracy make him worth the look, but he has to show he can step up and deliver in high-pressure situations like the bowl game.