2012 NFL Draft: 7 Prospects Who Need a Strong Bowl Performance

Bowl season is heaven on earth for college football fans. We are barraged with football game after football game. And boy, do we love it.

But when an NFL fan is watching those bowl games, he or she always has the draft in mind. Is an Indianapolis Colts fan going to watch Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal play Oklahoma State? Absolutely.

But as much as these games mean to fans, they mean even more to players. After a disappointing season, Landry Jones is banking on a huge bowl-game performance.

What other guys need to play well in order to secure their draft stock?

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Midway through the season, many were touting Ryan Tannehill as a first-round draft pick. Now, however, the talk has died down, and most consider Tannehill a second-round pick.

Tannehill's final game of the season against Texas was hugely disappointing, and the Aggie star needs to go out on a high note. With a solid performance against Northwestern, Tannehill could actually secure a first-round, and potentially top-15 stock.

Though he is definitely raw, Tannehill still has a ton of potential. With a number of teams needing quarterbacks early in the draft, a good bowl and combine performance could move Tannehill up in the draft.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Throughout the 2011 season, Vontaze Burfict has been criticized for his numerous personal fouls and over-aggressiveness. Burfict has not, however, been criticized for his play.

Against Boise State's spread offense, Burfict needs to prove that he is not too aggressive and doesn't overrun plays. Boise will attempt many misdirections, and it will be a challenge for Burfict to stick to his gaps and not give up the big play.

Burfict is undoubtedly an incredibly talented player. He just needs to show that he can control his emotions and fulfill his assigned duties.

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

At the beginning of the year, Landry Jones was widely considered a top-10, or possibly even a top-five pick. Unfortunately, Jones' play dropped off towards the end of the year and his stock took a serious tumble. At the moment, Jones may not even be a first-round pick.

Scouts are not concerned about Jones' talent, though. The Oklahoma quarterback's consistency, accuracy and decision-making do have scouts worried. A big game against Iowa could help answer some of these questions and repair Jones' stock.

With a poor performance in the Insight Bowl, Jones may elect to return to Oklahoma for his senior year. Of all the draft-eligible players in college football, none need to play well more than Jones does.

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Mike Adams has often been criticized for inconsistency, and rightfully so. The 6'8", 320-pounder has all the talent in the world, but he has underachieved throughout his entire career.

Now a senior, Adams is finally playing up to his potential. However, Adams missed the beginning of the season due to a suspension, and scouts need to see more of this new version. Adams has a chance to prove he has improved against Florida's incredibly talented offensive line.

It is not out of the realm of possibility for Adams to be the second offensive tackle off the board. The Ohio State left tackle will certainly test well, and a shutdown performance could elevate his stock into the top 15 or top 10.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Prior to the 2011 season, Alshon Jeffery was widely considered a top-five prospect and elite wide receiver. However, Jeffery's production has taken a serious hit, and he has looked slow and overweight.

In the Capital One Bowl, Jeffery will be facing Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. Dennard is one of college football's best defensive backs and an outstanding prospect in his own right, so this performance could give Jeffery's stock a huge boost.

At the moment, Jeffery is still a first-round pick. He has dropped out of the top 10 picks, though, and he could fall further. With a big game against Dennard, Jeffery could jump back up into the top half of the first round.

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Yes, I'm using Alfonzo Dennard here after I just talked about Alshon Jeffery playing against Dennard. Dennard has dealt with injuries some in 2011, and his stock is not as high as it was prior to the season.

A 5'10", 205-pounder, Dennard has a thick build and can press the most physical of wideouts. Jeffery is certainly physical, and Dennard could have his money cut out for him. If Dennard does dominate Jeffery, however, the Nebraska cornerback could pass up Dre Kirkpatrick.

Dennard has the talent to be selected in the first 15 picks, and a lights-out performance could solidify his stock.

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Jonathan Martin has been discussed as an option in the top 10 picks, but his play has not warranted the hype. At this point, Martin's stock is based purely off of his play last year and possible upside.

Scouts want Martin to display some consistency. Andrew Luck's left tackle has looked great at times, downright awful at others. Martin's play varies an incredible amount by the game and competition he is facing.

Martin is currently fighting for the No. 2 offensive line spot. USC's Matt Kalil has the first spot wrapped up, but Martin, Riley Reiff and Mike Adams are still in a battle to be the next off the board. A big performance against Oklahoma State would be a huge start for Martin.