Friday NFL Draft watch notes

Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard critically needs a good game today against Iowa to boost his NFL Draft stock. Dennard has been shaky since coming back from injury and may have to line up against Iowa's Marvin McNutt today. The junior wide receiver is a physical player who can get open using body position. Dennard is physical himself so this could be a good matchup.

There are a slew of Mid-American Conference games today, so make sure to follow along with our friends over at Hustle Belt. The conference's best player is Temple running back Bernard Pierce. He should have a big game against a Kent State team that is light on NFL prospects this year.

The thought before the season was that West Virginia's Bruce Irvin would become this year's Von Miller. Partly because of the Mountaineers' defensive scheme, it just hasn't happened. On the year Irvin has 12 tackles for loss but only 5.5 sacks. West Virginia gets Pittsburgh today, which has an injury plagued offensive line. Irvin is a senior, so he's running out of chances to impress. If he can't do so today, more questions about his ability will surface.

Utah right tackle Tony Bergstrom doesn't get a lot of attention, but he's a solid player with a lot of experience. He has solid footwork and specializes in driving his opponent around and out of the play. He's on the only lineman to look out for in the Colorado/Utah game tonight. Buffaloes right guard Ryan Miller is a big body but not very fluid moving around. His size will get him drafted, however.

Could today be the final regular season game middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict has with Arizona State? The junior has been inconsistent this season, but is a proven athlete who could be a top 20 pick if he comes out. A big game today against the potent California pass offense could go a long way to help his draft stock.