This article is not meant to say that each respective player has gone from undrafted to a first rounder, but this is meant for those who have had a great week of practice, and have increased awareness for scouts to go back and watch tape. These players are what we like to call “risers”.

Every year, there is that one player who has a great week here in Mobile, and it propels more hype to him, and eventually gives the general public a reason to find out more about him. A few years ago, this player was Brandon Graham. This year, there have been a few players that have played really well, and have become “risers”. Here are the top five:

5. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois

The Mobile native has had a great week of practice, and plenty of his family and friends in attendance to watch. Ward has been the talk of the town this week, and may be rising in terms of value. Ward can do anything as a safety, and has even performed well in one-on-one drills with some top wide receivers here at the Senior Bowl.

4. James White, Wisconsin

Coming into the week, I did not expect much from the former Badger. But, White has impressed in every aspect of the game, especially pass protection. In the NFL, backs that can pick up blitzes will play, and white can do just that. Not to mention, White showed good burst through the hole, which led to some chatter around the stadium.

3. Josh Huff, Oregon

Josh Huff may have been one of the most impressive players in Mobile this week, as he showed the ability to not just run a fly, but also showing great route running, good hands, and the ability to separate out of his cuts. Huff could be a good slot receiver at the next level, and this week showed just that.

2. Kevin Norwood, Alabama

Before this week, not many people in the draft community had been talking about Norwood. At Alabama, he was vastly underused, and his talents have shown that this week. Norwood is not the flashiest player on the field, but has a natural ability to catch the football, and it all seems so easy to him. Norwood also runs good, clean routes, and catches the ball with his hands. This seems like a cliché, but being able to use your hands to catch the ball away from your body is an important trait, Norwood possesses it.

1. Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh

Without a doubt, the best player on the field at the North practices. Donald has been dominant on almost every single snap, and has been unblockable. On Monday night, I was able to interview a number of North offensive lineman, and each of them said Donald was one of the hardest guys to block, and how good of a player he was. Donald has dominated at Pittsburgh, but one of the questions was if he could be as good against better competition. He truly showed his abilities this week, and should be taken earlier rather than later come May.