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Editor's note: For the fortunate few, bowl season isn't just a final college game to play but also a chance to boost NFL draft stock. Below is a look at seven players who could help themselves in the 2015 NFL Draft with impressive bowl performances.
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RONNIE STANLEY, OT, NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
USC scored a blowout win over Notre Dame on Nov. 29, but according to reports, NFL scouts in attendance were buzzing about Stanley when they left the Coliseum. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound junior more than held his own against Trojans star Leonard Williams. Plus, he plays left tackle -- a position teams are always looking to upgrade.
SHAWN OAKMAN, DE, BAYLOR BEARS
Shawn Oakman -- all 6-9, 280 pounds of him -- could have the highest upside for a defensive prospect. He'll remind some of former Miami product Calais Campbell with his size and run-stopping ability, but Oakman will undoubtably be asked to add more rushing moves if he enters the league. Still, the junior has the potential to dominate in the right schemes.
T.J. CLEMMINGS, OT, PITTSBURGH PANTHERS
It wasn't that long ago that T.J. Clemmings played defensive end. The Panthers were happy they decided to move him to the other side of the ball. Just look at his tape against Duke in mid-November -- Clemmings showcased his power by paving the way for 358 rushing yards. Then, he displayed some impressive speed for a 315-pounder when he got out in front of a screen pass that a few Blue Devils wanted no part of defending. Clemmings is wowing scouts with tape like that.
GEROD HOLLIMAN, S, LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
Don't discount Gerod Holliman, the reigning Thorpe Award winner, as the best safety prospect of 2015. It's the Lousiville product, not Alabama's Landon Collins, who's earning early comparisons to NFL great Ed Reed. He's got the picks to back up the praise; Holliman hauled in 14 interceptions this fall, which tied the NCAA single-season record. He's always around the ball when you look back at tape of the Cardinals this season, and pro teams will come calling soon enough.
DEVIN SMITH, WR, OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Devin Smith broke out in the B1G Championship Game with three scores. His entire body of work in 2014 was just as impressive; the senior wideout has helped the Buckeyes' offense remain productive through its revolving door of quarterbacks this fall. Smith's not mentioned in the same class as Alabama's Amari Cooper, but he has proven to be just as viable a deep threat. And when the ball is in the air, the 6-1 Smith catches it at its highest point. NFL coaches will love that.
MALCOLM BROWN, DT, TEXAS LONGHORNS
No one has benefitted more from the coaching change down in Austin. The former top high school prospect realized his untapped potential under Charlie Strong's defensively-minded staff and flourished as a pass-rushing tackle. He shined brightest in Texas' loss to Oklahoma in October, where he lined up as a three-technique tackle and a weak-side defensive end. That versatility will only help him whenever he makes the leap to the league.
CLIVE WALFORD, TE, MIAMI HURRICANES
Walford became the best security blanket in the nation whenever he ran routes for freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya in 2014. In what could be a down year for tight ends, scouts should look Walford's way. The Hurricanes have a proven record of producing pro-ready tight ends, and with his blend of power blocking and route running, Walford could seamlessly transition into the NFL game.
