Taking (NFL Draft) Stock: the Senior Bowl

Last year, Matt Forte and Leodis McKelvin opened some eyes with their Senior Bowl performances, and both would go on to have outstanding NFL rookie seasons. Andre Woodson, on the other hand, struggled in the college football showcase game, and the former Kentucky star's draft stock plummeted -- he eventually ended the 2008 season on the Giants practice squad.

While a poor Senior Bowl won't automatically torpedo a prospect's NFL aspirations (Joe Flacco stumbled through the game last year), it's a great way for players to separate themselves in a crowded field.

After the jump: a quick rundown of those who impressed and those who didn't.

Guys Who Opened Some Eyes

QB Pat White, West Virginia. White showed up in Mobile and declared that he was a quarterback. And while the skeptics rolled their eyes, all White did was outperform every other quarterback on the field; he threw a 39-yard touchdown pass and added 31 rushing yards. At an even six feet tall and 190 pounds., White is anything but a prototypical NFL quarterback, but he'll be a valuable weapon, particularly if he's willing to play some wide receiver, running back and kick returner.

RB Andre Brown, NCSU. Brown made some money on Saturday night. He's battled injures throughout his college career, but when healthy, it's hard to bring down the 225-pound back. Brown converted a huge fourth-and-1 in the first half, and also ripped off several long runs to sustain drives. And his 31-yard reception -- a screen pass set up by a wonderful Quinn Johnson block -- showed his ability to maneuver in space.

RB Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon. Johnson is listed at 5-9, 198, and in the eyes of some NFL clubs, that makes him a part-time player. Watching him tread defenders between the tackles paints a different picture, however. Plus, as more teams go to a running back-by-committee approach, Johnson's value increases. Look no further than the success his former college teammate Jonathan Stewart had with the Panthers this season.

DE Robert Ayers, Tennessee. At 6-3, 275, Ayers looks the part. His two sacks -- including one in the end zone that led to a defensive touchdown -- will certainly have people talking as he prepares for the NFL Combine and his pro day.

Merits a mention: FB Quinn Johnson, LSU; DL Mitch King, Iowa; LB Rey Maualuga, USC; RB Cedric Peerman, UVA

Guys Who Have Some Work to Do

QB Graham Harrell, Texas Tech. This year's quarterback draft class is decidedly weak, and that was on full display in Mobile. NFL Network's Mike Mayock spent much of the evening imploring Harrell to "step into" his throws and, well, it never happened. Harrell excelled in Texas Tech's specialized offense, but he doesn't appear to possess the arm strength to make the necessary NFL throws. That's sort of a problem.

QB Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St. Continuing the theme... Good news: Bomar showed a strong arm. Bad news: he struggled with accuracy. And worse: he was indecisive in the pocket, which ended up costing his team seven points when he was sacked in the end zone and lost a fumble in the process (see Ayers above).

WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly SLO. Compared to James Hardy entering the week, Barden had trouble creating separation during practice, and it was apparent during the game, too. At 6-6, 230, Barden's obviously a huge target and, to be fair, he rarely faced top-flight competition at Cal Poly. His size makes him attractive, but he's not as polished as Hardy, and any team that drafts him will probably have to bring him along slowly.

Merits a mention: DT B.J. Raji, BC; SS William Moore, Missouri

Previously on FanHouse:
Senior Bowl Players to Watch