While it's fair to say that most of the NFL Draft's top prospects tend to be underclassmen, the Senior Bowl has a profound effect on the draft process. A good game and solid practices can elevate players to first-round status while a poor performance can do just the opposite.
There are several seniors who are seemingly on the borderline between the first and second rounds, so there is a ton at stake in Saturday's game. The Senior Bowl obviously isn't the only thing that will be taken into account, but in-game performance is always a great evaluating tool.
Here are three studs who are looking to earn first-round billing with a strong Senior Bowl showing.
OL Mike Adams, Ohio State
Right now, massive Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams is probably considered a second-round pick by most, but there is nothing stopping him from propelling into round No. 1.
At 6'7" and 323 pounds, Adams has the prototypical size that scouts look for in a mauling lineman. The general consensus is that he is the fourth- or fifth-best tackle in the draft, so getting into the first isn't a stretch depending on team needs.
Senior Bowl practices tend to say a lot about linemen in particular since there are plenty of one-on-one drills. Because of Adams' impressive size, you would think that he has caught the eye of plenty of scouts already. Most teams in the league could use another offensive tackle, so I expect there to be a strong market for Adams. If he imposes his will at the Senior Bowl then it is very likely he goes in the first round.
RB Chris Polk, Washington
There is no question that Alabama's Trent Richardson and Miami's Lamar Miller are the two top running backs in the draft and both are basically locks to go in the first round. After that it's a bit questionable, but Washington tailback Chris Polk seems to be the next in line. Polk has a great blend of size and speed, so he could be a very intriguing prospect late in the first round.
Polk is likely to be showcased plenty in the Senior Bowl itself, so he'll have every opportunity to improve his draft stock. Polk ran for nearly 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, so he produced at a high level against quality competition in the Pac 12. The value of running backs in the draft has gone down in recent years, but Polk could still sneak into the bottom of round No. 1.
DB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
It wasn't long ago that North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins was considered a top-10 prospect. After being removed from the team at the University of Florida for marijuana arrests, however, Jenkins' value took a tumble.
Jenkins was a starter as a freshman on the Gators' National Championship team, but that seems like a long time ago at this point. Now, Jenkins has to battle into the first round after playing at a lower level with North Alabama.
Jenkins predictably dominated his competition both as a corner and a return man this past season. Because of his dual-threat capability and track record of excelling against great competition, Jenkins is certainly on the first-round radar. The Senior Bowl will tell evaluators a lot about whether he can still play at the highest level.
If he proves that and teams can look past his character issues, he should go in the first round.
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