Throughout the season we’ll take a look at some players who helped their 2012 NFL Draft stock with great performances in the previous week’s games.
2012 NFL Draft stock up spotlight
Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin and Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin running game is so good. Konz is coming on as a possible first-round pick and Zeitler could see a draft day rise like former teammate John Moffitt. Both players are power blockers, but surprisingly good on the move. Wisconsin likes to pull Zeitler and he shows good footwork getting down the line. Konz is great at getting to the second level and agile enough to take on linebackers.
Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California
Over the past two weeks, no player has arguably helped himself more than Barkley. He's shown incredible pocket poise and a good arm. If there were doubts about Barkley being a top five pick, he's doing quite a bit to reverse them. He showed nice touch on Friday night against Colorado throwing for six touchdowns. Some have been comparing him to Jimmy Clausen, but that's just ridiculous.
Tyler Nielsen, OLB, Iowa
Nielsen needed a game like the one he had against Michigan on Saturday. After dealing with an ankle injury for part of the season, he broke out against the Wolverines. Nielsen finished the game with 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced and recovered fumble and a sack. Nielsen has nice size at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds and solid athleticism. He just needs to start showcasing it like he did against Michigan.
Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
The stats don't tell the tale of the game Fleming had against Texas A&M. They are six tackles, an interception and a forced fumble an recovery. He was much more than that on Saturday. Fleming was around the ball much of the game and showed heart playing against A&M's bigger receivers. Fleming is an underrated player who could get mid- to late-round consideration in the draft because of games like the one he had Saturday.
See More:
