Yes, it can help.

The Senior Bowl is an interesting mix of postseason All-Star game and pre-draft evaluation event. To some, nursing some late-season injuries and getting healthy for the NFL Scouting Combine makes sense. For others, tearing it up in Mobile and boosting their draft stocks against some elite competition makes more sense.

Guys like Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz both did the latter (Prescott was the 2015 Senior Bowl MVP, though it didn’t necessarily help his draft status). Shoot, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield, helped himself by playing in the Senior Bowl.

Even though plenty of key players like Josh Allen are sitting out, there are some household names from the SEC who will look to impress in a game setting one more time before the NFL Draft.

Here are the 5 SEC players I’m looking forward to watching this weekend:

1. Drew Lock, Mizzou QB

Duh. As one of the biggest names in the Senior Bowl, Lock will have an opportunity to show off his arm and quiet some of the concerns about him as a complete passer. The Senior Bowl is actually set up really well for someone like Lock. Due to the defensive limitations, he shouldn’t have to deal with a ton of front seven pressure, and he should get relatively clean pockets to step into some throws.

Lock is still a fascinating draft study because despite all the film on him as a 3-year starter, he played in multiple systems and he’s still considered somewhat of a project at the next level. Even as a senior, he made some odd decisions that will worry some evaluators.

Chances are, those with a need at quarterback have already done their homework on Lock and have seen him in person. But if Lock can perform well in shorts and connect on a few deep balls Saturday, he’ll solidify a lot of the first-round buzz he had throughout 2018.

2. Jarrett Stidham, Auburn QB

If I could be a fly on the wall in one NFL Draft prospect’s meetings with front offices, it’d be Stidham’s. I’d be fascinated to know what the Auburn quarterback says behind closed doors about playing in Gus Malzahn’s system.

“I didn’t know one could throw so many swing passes.”

“I think Gus thought my arm fell off after I had that shoulder surgery in the offseason.”

“Have you ever banged your head against a brick wall for 3 hours? That’s what it’s like to be a pass-first quarterback in Gus’ offense.”

OK, so maybe Stidham wouldn’t go to those lengths, but you can bet he’s going to have to talk a whole lot about his struggles playing in an extremely specialized offense. Stidham didn’t have the year many thought he could have in Year 2 at Auburn, which makes events like the Senior Bowl and the Combine that much more important for him.

Stidham checks all the boxes off the field. He carries himself extremely well and physically, he checks those boxes, too. But all eyes will be on him playing in an offense that’s more traditional than anything he ran the past 2 years.

3. Montez Sweat, Mississippi State DE

Let’s be honest. The Senior Bowl is not built for defensive stars to shine. Given the limitations of the game — only 4 pass rushers, sticking to base defenses, etc. — edge rushers won’t get as many opportunities to fool defensive tackles. The game is pretty much played straight up at the line of scrimmage.

But if Sweat is lined up against a single offensive tackle all afternoon, I like his chances of making a few big plays. That’s what he was so good at the past 2 years at Mississippi State. The guy just overpowers people. He was at the top of every scouting report, yet teams still struggled to slow him down.

Sweat will again be a top priority as one of the top prospects playing in this game. At 6-6, 252 pounds, he looks more than ready to step into an NFL starting lineup today. Perhaps a couple sacks would cement him as a rising first-round prospect.

4. Deebo Samuel, South Carolina WR

The senior sat the Belk Bowl — South Carolina looked like it missed him badly — to prepare for the draft. Balling at the Senior Bowl is certainly part of that process. The oft-injured wide receiver overcame an important hurdle by staying healthy this year. Obviously the last thing he wants to do is ruin that in an exhibition showcase, but hopefully he still looks like his usual self.

As we know with Samuel, all it takes is one play for him to make his presence felt. He’s not the most physically imposing receiver in Mobile (he measured at 5-11, 216 pounds), but few players operate in space like Samuel does. And by now, everyone knows he can take the top off a defense, too.

Unfortunately for Samuel, there are only kickoff return attempts in the beginning of each half. He won’t able to show off that part of his game, which we know is electric.

Still, there should be plenty of opportunities for Samuel to get targets and turn short gains into home run plays.

5. Mike Edwards, Kentucky S

Josh Allen and Benny Snell made headlines, but Kentucky was a complete team because of guys like Edwards. Few SEC defensive backs have been more reliable than Edwards in the past few years. It’s rare to see a defensive back finish his career with 20-plus tackles for loss and 10 interceptions. That speaks to how productive he was in Mark Stoops’ defense.

Edwards, another overlooked recruit from the state of Ohio, won’t be overlooked this weekend if he plays like he did all year. The restrictions of the game probably won’t allow for him to play in a slot corner role, which might be his fit at the next level. And Edwards won’t really get opportunities to line up in the box, but he’s still good enough in coverage to make his presence felt.

There are going to be quarterbacks trying to take some big downfield shots to show off their arms. Don’t be surprised if Edwards is the guy spoiling the fun by breaking up deep passes.