East West Shrine Game

[dbair1967]

East-West Shrine Game defensive preview: Players who could go in NFL Draft

Colorado's long, lean linebacker and a stocky Pitt pass rusher are among the intriguing prospects
by Dane Brugler
1h ago • 4 min read

For most NFL teams, the 2016 season is complete and attention is now turned to the NFL Draft. And the first step of "draft season" is the all-star circuit, including the East-West Shrine Game, which kicks off this week in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 21 at Tropicana Field, but most of the work and scouting will be done during the week at daily practices. This year's Shrine Game is the 92nd edition, the first and longest running all-star game in football.

Over 90 prospects from last year's Shrine Game were either drafted or signed as free agents, including four top-100 draft picks: offensive guard Joe Thuney (78th overall, New England Patriots), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (89th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers), offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (95th overall, Detroit Lions) and safety Justin Simmons (98th overall, Denver Broncos).

This year's roster has several potential top-100 prospects and other players who will round out a NFL roster. Below is a position-by-position look of the defensive prospects to watch this week.

Edge rushers

A prospect reminiscent of Elvis Dumervil, Pitt's Ejuan Price (5-11, 245) has obvious size limitations, but uses his naturally low pad level and initial quickness to get passed blockers before they can react. He accounted for 23.0 tackles for loss this past season and although it is rare to see a player with his measureables find success in the NFL, Price might be an exception.

One of the best pass rushers in the Pac-12 in 2016, Utah's Hunter Dimick lacks tradition edge speed and fluid traits scouts ideally look for at the position, but his hustle and energy jumps off the film. He also makes a lot of effort or intelligent plays that won't show up in the box score, but lead to positive plays like stringing runs outside due to his awareness, dropping and taking away the screen, etc.

Other pass rushers: Bryan Cox, Florida (6-3, 269); Darius English, South Carolina (6-6, 245); Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic (6-4, 265); Avery Moss, Youngstown State (6-4, 269); Karter Schult, Northern Iowa (6-3, 270); Deatrich Wise, Arkansas (6-6, 270)

Interior defensive line

After missing the 2015 season due to an off-field issue, Colorado's Josh Tupou (6-3, 345) returned this past season and was a consistent anchor in the middle of the Buffs' three-man front. He has the upper body strength to rag doll blockers, staying low at the point of attack to press bodies from his frame and shed while tracking the ball. As long as he stays in shape, Tupou will find a home on a NFL roster.

Louisville has several standouts in the front-seven, but it was DeAngelo Brown (6-0, 310) who led the team in tackles for loss (13.0) in 2016. He has the hand strength and reach to fight through jabs and move blockers, collecting himself on the move to make stops in the backfield. Although not the most recognizable name on the Cardinals' defense, Brown was arguably the most consistent.

Other defensive tackles: Josh Augusta, Missouri (6-5, 375); Jason Carr, West Georgia (6-6, 300); Joey Ivie, Florida (6-3, 298), Matthew Godin, Michigan (6-6, 294); Ralph Green, Indiana (6-5, 306); Jeremiah Ledbetter, Arkansas (6-4, 278); B.J. Singleton, Houston (6-4, 310)

Linebackers

A four-year starter at MIKE linebacker, Illinois' Hardy Nickerson (6-0, 230) was one of the few bright spots on Cal's defense in 2015 before finishing his career at Illinois in 2016, choosing to play for his father (NFL veteran Hardy Nickerson), who coached him in high school and was hired in March 2016 to be the Illini defensive coordinator on Lovie Smith's staff. He is built more like a safety and can be too easily blocked, but his plays speed and DNA can keep him on a NFL roster.

Colorado had a number of defenders emerge as legitimate pro prospects this past season, including Jimmie Gilbert (6-5, 230). He looks more like a tall wideout with his lanky frame, but he performed well as a rush linebacker in the Buffaloes' 3-4 scheme, finishing the 2016 season with 10 sacks. Gilbert is underdeveloped from a strength perspective and might not have the growth potential to add the necessary bulk. But his pursuit speed and active play style will make him tough to cut.

The leader of the Wake Forest defense, Marquel Lee posted 105 tackles, 20.0 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a senior in 2016. He has a bad habit of attacking before reading, taking himself out of position, but he swarms to the football with a loose lower body and rarely left the field in college.

Other linebackers: Richie Brown, Mississippi State (6-2, 240); Austin Calitro, Villanova (6-1, 247); Keivn Davis, Colorado State (6-2, 238); Javancy Jones, Jackson State (6-2, 245); Andrew King, Army (6-0, 235); Paul Magloire, Arizona (6-1, 227); Calvin Munson, San Diego State (6-1, 240); Kenneth Olugbode, Colorado (6-1, 220); James Onwaualu, Notre Dame (6-1, 235);

Defensive backs

One of the best players on this year's Shrine Game roster, Louisiana Tech safety Xavier Woods (5-11, 205) can convince scouts that he belongs in the top-100 picks of the draft. His tape is impressive with plays in the run game and vs. the pass. Woods has strong hands and looks to wrap on his tackle attempts, driving low and bringing his legs. In coverage, he does a great job getting his head turned to locate and undercut routes, leading LaTech with 16 passes defended and five interceptions in 2016.

Another Colorado defender worth talking about, safety Tedric Thompson (6-1, 206) is a well-rounded player with the athletic gifts and nose for the ball that translate well to the NFL. He shows timing and range in coverage to make plays on the ball and attacks the alley as a physical run defender. Woods and Thompson are two of the best players in St. Petersburg this week.

Injuries in the Michigan secondary allowed cornerback Channing Stribling (6-2, 182) to step into a starting role and blossom into a legitimate NFL prospect. He has the obvious height/length dimensions to match up with receivers and showed improved body position and locating skills down the field, leading the Wolverines in passes defended (17) and interceptions (four) as a senior.

Unfortunately, Middle Tennessee cornerback Jeremy Cutrer (6-2, 170) and Colorado cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (6-3, 195) had to withdraw from the event due to injury. Both have the mix of athleticism and length that will appeal to a number of NFL teams.

Other cornerbacks: Tony Bridges, Ole Miss (6-0, 185); Treston Decoud, Oregon State (6-3, 208); Tyquwan Glass, Fresno State (5-11, 194); Fabian Moreau, UCLA (6-0, 2050; Jalen Myrick, Minnesota (5-11, 198); Nate Hairston, Temple (6-0, 192); Ashton Lampkin, Oklahoma State (6-1, 195); Aarion Penton, Missouri (5-10, 195); Jack Tocho, NC State (6-0, 200); Brad Watson, Wake Forest (6-0, 195)

Other safeties: Jamal Carter, Miami (6-2, 215); Randall Goforth, UCLA (5-11, 190); Lano Hill, Michigan (6-1, 200); Jadar Johnson, Clemson (6-0, 210); Leon McQuay, USC (6-1, 195); Fish Smithson, Kansas (5-11, 195); Weston Steelhammer, Air Force (6-1, 195); Orion Stewart, Baylor (6-0, 205); Dymonte Thomas, Michigan (6-0, 190); Damarius Travis, Minnesota (6-1, 208)

 

[dbair1967]

East-West Shrine Game offensive preview: Players who could go in NFL Draft

A trio of intriguing passers -- including an Ivy Leaguer -- will make their case to NFL teams
by Dane Brugler
1h ago • 5 min read

For most NFL teams, the 2016 season is complete and attention is now turned to the NFL Draft. And the first step of "draft season" is the all-star circuit, including the East-West Shrine Game, which kicks off this week in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 21 at Tropicana Field, but most of the work and scouting will be done during the week at daily practices. This year's Shrine Game is the 92nd edition, the first and longest running all-star game in football.

Over 90 prospects from last year's Shrine Game were either drafted or signed as free agents, including four top-100 draft picks: offensive guard Joe Thuney (78th overall, New England Patriots), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (89th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers), offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (95th overall, Detroit Lions) and safety Justin Simmons (98th overall, Denver Broncos).

This year's roster has several potential top-100 prospects and other players who will round out a NFL roster. Below is a position-by-position look of the offensive prospects to watch this week.

Quarterbacks

Like every year, the quarterback position is the wild card of the draft. But unlike most years, this class of seniors lacks a quarterback worthy of a top-100 selection. And that lack of depth shows on the Shrine roster as none of the quarterbacks in attendance are viewed as locks to be drafted.

A pair of MAC quarterbacks -- Central Michigan's Cooper Rush (6-3, 230) and Western Michigan's Zach Terrell -- have probably the best chances to be drafted, but both have holes in their game. They are four-year starters with the intangibles and intelligence needed for the NFL, however, neither have ideal arm talent in the eyes of pro scouts.

The most interesting quarterback at this all-star game is Alek Torgersen (6-2, 220), who holds a number of passing records at Penn (that's the Quakers, not the Nittany Lions). He requires refinement in areas, but he is very efficient from snap to release and delivers with excellent touch, making him a possible development option at the next level.

Other quarterbacks: Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati (6-4, 225); Wes Lunt, Illinois (6-4, 220); Nick Mullens, Southern Miss (6-1, 205)

Running backs

Although he doesn't look like much, Middle Tennessee's I'Tavius Mathers (5-11, 205) is a player who might make noise this week. The Ole Miss transfer has the bad habit of running into his own blockers and not allowing plays to develop, but he accelerates in a flash and was a high-volume receiver on tape, turning short catches into long gains.

One of the skills that can help a rookie running back survive final NFL roster cuts is pass protection and Michigan's De'Veon Smith (5-11, 228) has the pre-snap awareness, base power and hand techniques to match up very well in this area. He runs physical and has the lateral quickness to work around bodies, but is a one-speed runner with little deception.

For those looking for speed, Utah's Joe Williams (5-11, 205) is your guy. However, he is already starting behind the eight ball with scouts, considering his mid-season retirement and ball security issues. Louisiana Lafayette's Elijah McGuire (5-9, 205) has the receiving traits that will remind many of Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon.

Other running backs/fullbacks: Marcus Cox, Appalachian State (5-10, 205); Dare Ogunbowale, Wisconsin (5-11, 205)

Wide receivers

There has been a lot of bad football played in West Lafayette the past few seasons, but Purdue's DeAngelo Yancey (6-1, 215) has been one of the bright spots. A good-sized athlete, he has the secondary speed to separate late in his route and track well over his shoulder. Yancey is a prime candidate to "rise" throughout the week.

It is easy to overlook a receiver in Air Force's option offense, but Jalen Robinette (6-3, 215) deserves your attention. Averaging 27.4 yards per catch in 2016, the Ohio native has intriguing measureables with the footwork in his routes to get open down the field. Reminiscent of Jordan Matthews out of Vanderbilt, Robinette is also a very good blocker, which is what you would expect coming from a run-first offense.

"He's a tease" -- that's how one NFL scout described Miami's Stacy Coley (6-0, 193) to me and it's tough to disagree. The former Hurricane has easy speed with quick feet in his routes and the adjustment skills to make tough grabs away from his body. However, Coley has a history of drops and needs to shed the fragile tag -- you hold your breath anytime he meets any type of contact.

Unfortunately, Northern Illinois receiver Kenny Golladay (6-4, 210) had to pull out of the event due to injury. He would have been my top-ranked receiver prospect on the Shrine roster.

Other wide receivers: Quincy Adeboyejo, Ole Miss (6-3, 195); Billy Brown, Shepherd (6-4, 245); Austin Carr, Northwestern (6-1, 200); Gehrig Dieter, Alabama (6-3, 207); Trey Griffey, Arizona (6-3, 216); Gabe Marks, Washington State (6-0, 187); Tony Stevens, Auburn (6-4, 213); Kermit Whitfield, Florida State (5-8, 178);

Tight ends

Only six FBS players had at least 16 receiving touchdowns this past season and Toledo's Michael Roberts (6-5, 270) was one of them. He is a lumbering athlete with one speed, lacking any type of burst to his game. But he is thickly-put-together with big mitts to swallow the football. Roberts also looks to finish as a blocker, using his long arms and upper body strength to move bodies. He can make his money in the red zone at the next level.

FCS-level Drake hasn't had a player drafted since 1983, but Eric Saubert (6-5, 250) has a chance to change that this spring. A productive starter the past four seasons, the Illinois native displays natural receiving traits on film with sharp footwork and the hands to provide a large strike zone for his quarterback. Like Roberts, Saubert is a solid day three projection.

Other tight ends: David Morgan, UTSA (6-4, 250); Kyle Carter, Penn State (6-3, 242); Darrion Griswold, Arkansas State (6-5, 264); Kivon Cartwright, Colorado State (6-3, 245)

Offensive line

The starting left tackle for Arizona State, Evan Goodman (6-4, 300) plays with a low center and solid base to hold his ground vs. power. He has the hand strength to latch-and-turn, but struggles in space, overextending his upper half and forgetting his technique. If given the opportunity to move inside to guard where he can work in a phone booth, Goodman has a chance at a pro future.

Another left tackle who projects best inside in the NFL, Charleston Southern's Erik Austell (6-4, 285) is very controlled and composed in his movements, using knee bend to set-up and drop his hips. He is a sticky blocker with the grip strength, understanding of angles and finishing toughness to get the job done. Like Goodman, Austell is listed as a tackle on the Shrine roster, but hopefully he receives reps inside at guard during practice.

An old school center, Cameron Tom (6-4, 290) of Southern Miss doesn't wear gloves or anything on his hands or limbs and competes with a physical, smash-mouth attitude. He might not consistently sustain blocks, but he sinks his weight and utilizes angles to wall-off run lanes and win the leverage battle. The high volume of run plays designed up the middle behind Tom at Southern Miss is an indicator of what the coaches thought about their center.

Other offensive tackles: Joseph Dieugot, Florida International (6-6, 300); Avery Gennesy, Texas A&M (6-5, 315); William Holden, Vanderbilt (6-7, 312); Erik Magnuson, Michigan (6-5, 310); Jonathan McLaughlin, Virginia Tech (6-5, 300); Storm Norton, Toledo (6-8, 310); Victor Salako, Oklahoma State (6-5, 315); Dan Skipper, Arkansas (6-10, 325); Sam Tevi, Utah (6-5, 310);

Other offensive guards: Geoff Gray, Manitoba (6-6, 315); Zach Johnson, North Dakota State (6-4, 331); Kyle Kalis, Michigan (6-5, 305); Alex Kozan, Auburn (6-3, 310); Adam Pankey, West Virginia (6-6, 316);

Other offensive centers: Gavin Andrews, Oregon State (6-6, 335); Lucas Crowley, North Caorlina (6-3, 293); Tobijah Hughley, Louisville (6-2, 295); Chase Roullier, Wyoming (6-4, 315); Joe Scelfo, NC State (6-1, 300)