Top 10 Prospects at the 2012 Senior Bowl
1. Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
Upshaw reminds me a lot of a Terrell Suggs type of player, a relentless pass rusher who is always making plays in the backfield. I think he has top 5 talent potential and if he’s not a top 10 pick after his performance this week, I’ll be pretty shocked. He might not be the highest drafted player from this game, but it’ll be close.
2. Quinton Coples, DE/DT, North Carolina
Coples needs to be more consistent with his motor, but he has the talent and size that NFL GMs drool over and he could be an absolute star if he dedicates himself. He is not quick off the ball but he has great moves from both end positions as well as the inside. He has intriguing upside in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.
3. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jenkins was reportedly the best corner by far at practices this week at the Senior Bowl, and to me, his talent has never been a question. If his character off the field will check out, there is no doubt he should be one of the top corners in the league someday and a top 10 pick. However, the red flags that he carries will cause him to be drafted between picks 16-32 and if he gets to the right program, he could be a steal.
4. Melvin Ingram, DL/OLB, South Carolina
Ingram is a jack of all trades, master of none. If you haven’t heard that about him yet, you’re not reading the right publications. Recruited as a linebacker, finished his career as one of the most ferocious pass rushing DE/DTs in all of college football. He looks like he could start in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
Adams had an inconsistent week of practice, but by many accounts, he was one of the best players there. He has great size and length, and has potential to be a starting left tackle in the NFL.
Glenn looks like he could be a good right tackle or guard in the NFL, but he seems best in a “phone booth” situation. He has great size and he carries it well. I think he should be a first round pick and I could see him going to a team like the Jets, 49ers, Chargers, or Ravens.
7. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
Doug Martin is rated as a first round pick by Russ Lande at the Sporting News, which I thought was surprising but I could definitely understand. There are a lot of people who compare Martin to Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens. Martin would be a great fit for the Denver Broncos.
8. Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State
I think Osemele is a starting right tackle or guard from day one in the NFL. He has great size and length, and he should be a late first round pick at this point. If not, he will get snatched up early in the second, but I think this guy is going to be a very good pro.
9. Kevin Zeitler, OL, Wisconsin
Another massive offensive lineman who is primed to play guard in the NFL, Zeitler has had a solid week of practice but you really have to look at what he did in his time at Wisconsin. They were absolutely awesome in the run game and this past season, they also were one of the best in the country in pass protection.
10. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska (just pulled out)
Dennard pulled out of the game due to a hip flexor injury, something that caused him to struggle at practice this week. Hips are a huge part of a defensive back’s game, so take what he did this week with a grain of salt. I think Dennard is a solid first round pick, and any further he falls he will be a steal.
10a. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
Mike Mayock is the color commentator for Notre Dame football on NBC during the college season, so if you’re wondering who gets the best look at the Golden Domers, it’s Mayock. If you don’t trust his opinion by now, you might want to discard this final inclusion, but Mayock says he has heard second round grades on the versatile Smith, and even some first round grades. That’s high praise for a guy who lacks elite athleticism. Smith is a throwback, but he prides himself on making smart plays and being in the right place at the right time.