By: Sigmund Bloom, footballguys.com
After watching the 2007 crop of Shrine Game players for three days, I was as interested as anyone to see how their practices translated to production in the game. Here’s a rundown, by position:
C
Enoka Lucas, Oregon – Lucas just looks like an NFL center, especially for any team that require their offensive lineman to be mobile: He gets to the second level quickly and easily, although he can be outmuscled by larger DTs, as Clifton Ryan showed on his sack. Lucas should be a mid round pick.
Kyle Young, Fresno St – Young was not as spry as Lucas, but he looked competent enough springing out of his stance to warrant consideration to stay at C at the next level despite his massive size. He’s a true mauler who loves to pancake his opponent and still looks best suited to be a guard on a power running team to me. Young should be a mid round pick.
Matt Maddox, Illinois – Maddox is nothing special, but performed admirably, lumbering to the second level, and using his bulky frame the best he could. He’s not on the same level as Young and Lucas as an NFL offensive line prospect. Maddox should be trying to stick as an UDFA.
CB
Kenny Scott, Georgia Tech – Scott showed good recovery speed, just as he did in practice, and his speed was also apparent in the return game, along with his full speed cutting ability. The rest of his game was sloppy, getting beaten by Austin Flynn, reacting slowly to WR breaks in routes, and failing to wrap up when tackling. Scott’s speed will get him drafted, possibly on the first day.
Tyron Brackenridge, Washington St – Tyron showed a vast improvement from practices, harnessing the raw athleticism he displayed while getting beaten soundly during the week. He was a willing tackler, fast, quick, and athletic. He plays full out, but gambles and sometimes plays without discipline. He appears to have NFL CB physical ability, which should make him a 2nd day pick.
Travarous Bain, Hampton – Bain did not stand out as a CB, but his speed and tackling were on display on an excellent punt coverage play. His time at the combine could be the difference between being a 3rd round and a 6th round pick. He can reportedly run in the 4.3s
C.J. Wilson, Baylor – Wilson had his best and worst moment on the same play, getting beaten badly by a Jacoby Jones double move, but then showing the ball skills to intercept an underthrown pass by Lester Ricard. Wilson looks like a 2nd day pick.
Daniel Francis, LSU – Francis had somewhat weak game to follow up a weak week of practices. He didn’t wrap up or really stick his nose in there when he was tackling. If he runs the low 4.4s that have been reported, he might get drafted, but on his speed alone.
Bo Smith, Weber St – Smith followed up some strong practices with a good showing in the game. He kept up with David Ball and Steve Breaston in coverage, showing more than adequate speed. Smith has gotten himself into the mix to be drafted after a good week.
Dashon Goldson, Washington – Just like in practice, Goldson was dishing out big hits and displaying good speed for a big DB. He has a chance to be a late first day DB because of his versatility.
Michael Coe, Alabama St – Coe did not stand out in the game like he did in practices. Like Bo Smith, Coe’s performance all week got him into the group of players who could hear their name called on the 2nd day of the draft. Selection committee member and scout John Murphy singled out Coe as one of the players that had a good week.
DE
Mkristo Bruce, Washington St – Bruce suffered an injury the game, but he show a nice spin move that left Julius Wilson reeling. Bruce did not establish himself as an elite pass rusher this week, but his skills were good enough to keep him in the 2nd day mix.
Baraka Atkins, Miami – Atkins had a good, if uneven game. He showed a great first step and explosion off the snap, and the ability to read and react to running plays. His effort did slightly waver, and he was not as swift in pursuit as I expected him to be. His versatility and physical ability should make him an early second day pick in a deep DE class.
Brian Robison, Texas – Robison’s great athleticism was on display, but he did not make as big an impact as he did in practice. His motor was impressive, and he again showed his great first step, closing speed, and tenacity in the run defense. Robison has earned consideration as a first day pick this week.
Justin Hickman, UCLA – It seems clear now that Hickman will either be a 3-4 OLB or a rush specialist. He was blotted out by Doug Free in the run game and did not make an impact as a pass rusher after a solid week of practice. He did attack the ball and showed the form tackling he will need to make the conversion. His draft stock will be greatly based on his ability to convert to an LB.
Cameron Craig, Army – The standout DE seemed to be outclassed in the game. He was destroyed at the point of attack and was easily redirected as a pass rusher. Ill be surprised if he gets drafted.
Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan – Bazuin was one of the two or three most impressive players in the game. His explosion off the burst and tireless motor were on display. Bazuin is a clear first day pick now.
Rondell Biggs, Michigan – Biggs showed held up at the point of attack well at the run game, but is not a talented pass rusher. He may get drafted very late, but will likely be trying to stick as a UDFA.
Larry Birdine, Oklahoma – Birdine was owned by Mike Otto for most of the game and then he got hurt in the second half. I’ll be surprised if he gets drafted.
DT
Clifton Ryan, Michigan St – Ryan was a beast in the game just as he was a beast in practice. He was firing off the line with great explosion, push, and determination, he showed a great first step for a DT, and escaped Robert Turner’s grasp with ease. He went from the edge of the draft radar to a solid 2nd day pick this week.
Jeremy Clark, Alabama – He also continued his great momentum from the practice week with a terrific game, often taking up double teams, and peeling off of blockers when one player tried to neutralize him. He also fired off the line very nicely for a big DT and like Ryan, cemented his status as a quality 2nd day pick.
Steven Harris, Florida – Harris has continued to cash in on the opportunity that Marcus Thomas’s suspension afforded him to become a solid UDFA, if not a late round pick. He consistently got a good push at the line of scrimmage, showed nice skills handfighting to get free from his blocker, and got his arms up to disrupt passing lanes when he was held in check.
Ola Dagundro, Nebraska – Ola was constantly double teamed. While he did not make any impact plays, he did the bread and butter DT job of controlling the line of scrimmage. Like Harris, Ola will make an interesting late pick or priority UDFA.
Larry Brown, Oklahoma State – Brown was somewhat anonymous in Stillwater in the shadow of Ryan McBean, but he showed some a good push off the snap and good quickness/explosion for a big man, possibly enough to get drafted late.
Paul Soliai, Utah – Soliai does have the ideal profile for a two gap DT/3-4 DE, but he did not make a big impact in the game, or in the practices. T.J. Downing owned Soliai in the run game. He doesn’t seem that strong or quick, his value is in his size. He may go before guys like Brown, Dagundro, Harris on his projectability, but that trio showed more than Soliai this week.
FB
Brad Lau, Boise State - Lau continued his surprising show of running ability from the practices by taking advantage of Selvin Young’s injury to be the primary ballcarrier for the West on their first scoring drive. He showed great vision and impressive burst for a FB running the ball and good speed in his TD catch route. He got himself into the mix to be drafted late with his good week in Houston.
Jesse Allen, Virginia Tech – Allen had skillets for hands at times, but he had the most fire as a lead blocker of the Shrine Game FBs. He should be a nice late pick for a power running team.
Jackie Battle, Houston – Battle showed me more as a lead blocker than he did during the week, but I still don’t like his pro prospects at all. He might get drafted, but I don’t expect him to hang around the league very long.
Jason Snelling, Virginia - Just like in practice, showed great hands, a good burst as an RB, and heat seeking lead blocks as an FB. Snelling is a solid investment in the 4th or 5th round.
LB
Sam Olajubutu, Arkansas – The diminutive Razorback had a good game, throwing himself into plays, staying with the RB in coverage, packing punch with his hits and closing well on a delayed blitz. He looks like a nice 2nd day pick.
Kelvin Smith, Syracuse – Kelvin read plays well from the middle and flowed with the play, but he didn’t appear to be very fast or strong, although he closed well when going straight ahead. He'll be fortunate to see his name scroll across of the screen on the 2nd day of the draft.
Tyler Tidwell, Navy – Got pushed around and looked slow covering Brad Lau. He’ll be lucky to get drafted.
Desmond Bishop, Cal – Didn’t make any of his signature big hits, played overaggressive and overpursued, although he did read and attack the hole on running plays. 2nd day pick because he’s looking like a two down LB.
Dallas Sartz, USC – Showed decent speed, still played very upright. Looked best when fighting through a block and later throwing himself at Tyrone Moss. 2nd day pick as an SLB type.
Mark Zalewski, Wisconsin – Generally overpursued and couldn’t fight off a block at his ankles. Late 2nd day pick.
Quincy Black, UNM – Black read plays well and burst into the RB, and fought off blocks in run defense, which is an impressive skill for somewhat slight LB like Quincy. He closed very well and moved well in coverage. He has improved to an early 2nd day pick.
Zak DeOssie, Brown – Really shone on special teams and should be a 2nd day pick on that alone.
KaMichael Hall, Georgia Tech – KaMichael didn’t show much punch on his hits, and he didn’t fly around to mitigate his lack of clout. He’s probably slipped out of first day contention.
Justin Warren, Texas A&M – Warren read plays well from the mike position and held his ground when the lead blocker engaged him. Justin didn’t change direction well or play very fast. He’s a backup LB 2nd day pick.
Kyle Shotwell, Cal Poly – Shotwell read and reacted well to plays, playing outside instead of his familiar ILB position from his collegiate days. He definitely put himself on teams radar, but still seems unlikely to get drafted.
Brandon Archer, Kansas St – Archer continued to show a nose for the ball and great ability to sniff out plays. He’s not gifted athletically, but he seems to be gifted with great football instincts. His Shrine Week may have moved him into contention to get his name called on draft day.
Zach Latimer, Oklahoma – Like Zalewski, Latimer had trouble fighting off a low block and generally did not make an impact. He has a shot to get drafted late.
Justin Durant, Hampton – Durant did not make a strong impression during the game, just like he didn’t make a strong impression during practices. He definitely can hang athletically, but just did not distinguish himself this week. He’ll get drafted because of his physical abilities.
NT
Quentin Echols, Kansas St – Up there with Bazuin to be the player of the game. He batted down a pass, fought through blocks, pursued like he was possessed, showed a strong grasp with a halting arm tackle, and generally controlled the line of scrimmage, all while carrying around a classic nose tackle physique. Echols went from an afterthought to a very draftable player this week.
Keith Jackson, Arkansas – Jackson was beaten consistently because the blockers were getting lower than him. He showed that he is quick for a nose tackle type, but getting low is more important. He’ll probably still get drafted on the second day, but I’m not optimistic.
OG
T.J. Downing, Ohio State – Downing handled Soliai effectively in the run game and showed good pass blocking. He had a knack for steering his guy in the run game and nimbly traded rushers with Mike Otto on a stunt. He’ll get his name called in April.
Robert Turner, UNM – Turner also steered his guy well in the run game and switched assignments deftly when the play called for it. He couldn’t corral Clifton Ryan, but he did maul Steven Harris once in the run game. Turner was sluggish when pulling, but he did latch on when asked to pass block. He’s right on the edge of the draftable class of players right now.
Brian Daniels, Colorado – Daniels was the most outstanding guard during the game, showing good punch and mobility in the run game, adequate to above average pass blocking, good movement in space, good push, and a general mauler attitude. Daniels earned draft consideration with his performance Saturday.
Dan Santucci, Notre Dame – Santucci seems small, which got him pushed around by the likes of Echols, but also made him effective as a pulling guard in the run game. He’s a decent pass blocker who should get picked on the 2nd day.
Nathan Bennett, Clemson – Bennett was nondescript, although he handed Larry Brown well and generally absorbed his guy as a pass blocker. He’s in the 2nd day mix.
Chris Best, Canada – Best is fighting an uphill battle to get drafted, but he showed a great killer instinct in space as a pulling guard, just like he did in practice.
Tala Esera, Hawaii – Esera showed good mobility as a guard, which is no surprise since he’s a converted tackle. He was one of the linemen who got under Keith Jackson’s pad level. He’s a project that on the edge of the draftable class of players.
Steve Vallos, Wake Forest – Vallos showed good pass blocking inside. Like Esera, he was moved inside from his natural tackle position. He’s another fighting to get drafted.
OT
Charles Harris, Washington State – Harris showed surprisingly good feet and ability to get low for large man. He also displayed a stunning punch on the pass rusher. Like many of these offensive lineman, he’s fighting to get drafted.
Doug Free, Northern Illinois – Free recovered well, showing all kinds of good LT abilities – absorbing a bull rush, turning a rusher outside and beyond the QB, delivering a strong punch to stop a rusher in his tracks, moving his guy in the run game, if not mauling them, and keeping Justin Hickman quiet. He’s in the first day mix.
Mike Otto, Purdue – Otto had an almost dominant game at RT. He was very quick out of his stance and into blocking position, got many pancake blocks, and moved well. He’ll get selected on the 2nd day.
Robert Kraay, Air Force – Kraay got owned all day. When he wasn’t getting shoved around, he was tripping over his own feet. He did show a good punch, but that’s about it. He’s worth drafting as a complete project because of his huge frame, but that’s it.
Herb Taylor, TCU – Herb got beat on the outside, but also got under Jeremy Clark and controlled the line of scrimmage. He showed solid footwork. He’s not outstanding, but he’s a good enough LT to merit 2nd day consideration.
Julius Wilson, UAB – Wilson displayed tremendous strength once he got his hands on a defender, but he struggled mightily when they changed direction on him. Yet another O-lineman fighting to get drafted.
Mario Henderson, Florida St – He’s got great athleticism for an NFL LT sized guy, as evidence by how quickly he got out of his stance. Like Doug Free, he handled Justin Hickman well. He should get picked on the second day on potential.
Jordan Rempel, Canada – He had great feet, but didn’t switch well. This will be likely be the only week of American football that Rempel plays.
Adam Koets, Oregon St – Koets got beat to the outside by Dan Bazuin, but who didn’t. He did lock up Bazuin in the run game and showed decent enough feet to stay at LT. He’ll be a second day pick.
QB
John Beck, BYU – Beck showed off good zip on short and intermediate stuff and good timing throws, but his play fakes were somewhat half-hearted, and questions about his deep arm have not been answered. A WCO team might take him in the 3rd, but he seems like a 2nd day pick to me.
Lester Ricard, Tulane – Lester underthrew deep balls badly and played with a lack of urgency. His release was very slow and the ball sometimes hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity. He shouldn’t get drafted, but he might because of his size.
Matt Gutierrez, Idaho State – Matt reverted to his low delivery under pressure yet again, and threw touch passes more than crisp passes. He’s a late round project.
Jeff Rowe, Nevada – The most outstanding Qb of the game, Rowe’s deep TD to Paul Williams was perfectly thrown. Rowe kept plays alive well by holding the ball high while scrambling and keeping his eyes downfield. He hung in to take hits after delivering the ball and showed great mobility for a guy his size. He’ll get drafted if he continues to improve at the rate he did during the Shrine Game.
Drew Tate, Iowa – Tate moved well and got good zip on his short stuff, but he was mostly erratic. I’ll be very shocked if he gets drafted.
Zac Taylor, Nebraska – Poor Zac was under fire for a lot of the night, but he did show that good zip on his short and intermediate stuff and decisiveness as a QB. He also showed off his ability to move the pocket. Taylor is solid early 2nd day pick for a WCO team.
RB
Jon Cornish, Kansas – Cornish was strong in blitz pickup, and a competent , efficient RB. He’s got good body lean and decent burst, but he’s nothing more than a backup at the next level.
Alonzo Coleman, Hampton – Coleman got a chance to display his shiftiness, but he ran small yet again. He’ll be lucky to get drafted.
Steve Baylark, Massachusetts – one good draw play and many ugly runs that amounted to little outside. Like Coleman, he’ll be lucky to get drafted.
Tyrone Moss, Miami – the lack of burst was still apparent, but so were the good natural RB instincts and powerful running. He’ll be a 2nd day pick.
Stevie Hicks, Iowa St – Hicks again showed his good moves in space and good receiving ability. He’s an interesting candidate to convert to WR if he’s quick enough, but he doesn’t seem like more than a late draft pick as a possible 3rd down RB if he stays in the backfield.
Selvin Young, Texas – DNP (quad) Young was almost in the first day mix, but he needs to get healthy for the combine.
S
Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon St – Sabby had the hit of the night on Brent Celek and generally hurtled himself towards the line of scrimmage. Sabby’s in the first day mix.
John Wendling, Wyoming – Wendling was not as explosive as Piscitelli, but he read plays very well and made terrific decisions to peel off his guy when he sensed a throw was coming to another receiver nearby. He’s a late first day/early 2nd day pick right now.
Melvin Bullitt, Texas A&M – Like his Aggie teammate, Bullitt showed good football instincts, but a lack of any outstanding physical tools. He’s in the borderline draftable class of guys.
Marvin White, TCU – White flew towards the line of scrimmage on run plays. A good punt returner, he is not. White should hear his name called on the 2nd day.
Daren Stone, Maine – Stone was quiet, although he did show tremendous speed almost running down Paul Williams on his TD catch. Stone’s draft stock will be heavily connected to his combine performance.
Willis Barringer, Michigan – I honestly did not notice him at all during the game.
Jesse Daniels, LSU – Closed well on plays in front of him. Late 2nd day.UDFA.
Brandon Mitchell, tOSU – Like Daniels, seemed to close well on plays in front of him and like Daniels projects as a late 2nd day/UDFA.
TE
Matt Herian, Nebraska – Showed good routes and wall-off blocking, but just doesn’t seem to have the physical makeup it’ll take to get drafted.
Michael Allan, Whitworth – Did little in the game, but could get drafted late as a project because of his tall, long frame.
Brent Celek, Cincinnati – Manhandled by defenders when he tried to block. A gritty willing football player, but will likely go undrafted.
Ben Patrick, Delaware – Again showed amazing athleticism for a guy his size and surprisingly good inline blocking. Second day material with a chance to move up.
WR
Paul Williams, Fresno St – Effortless long TD catch, but taunted at the end. Earned a Senior Bowl invite. Borderline first day pick right now.
David Ball, New Hampshire – Made maybe the play of the game gliding through the air like a flying squirrel and showing off his sticky hands. 2nd day pick.
Steve Breaston, Michigan – Breaston didn’t have any huge plays, but he adjusted to some poorly thrown balls and ran with power and confidence as a punt returner. He might sneak into the first day because of his return abilities.
Jacoby Jones, Lane – Proved that skills he showed all week were not an illusion. He blocked downfield, extended well, and showed a sick double move only to have Lester Ricard underthrow him horribly. He’s knocking the door of the first day with a good combine.
Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech – The downward spiral continues for Hicks. He was inconsistent, with one of the worst drops of the game. His physical abilities will get him drafted, but he’s coasting right now.
Joel Filani, Texas Tech – Filani caught a TD, but was otherwise quiet. He outplayed his Red Raider teammate all week, and like him, should be a 2nd day pick.
Jerard Rabb, Boise State – The guy who ran in the play of the year (decade?) in college football hung well all week and had a great hands catch in the game. He was more promising than either Texas Tech WR, but will likely get drafted after them, if he gets drafted at all.
Austin Flynn, Iowa State – The athleticism is just not there to stick at WR in the pros. He’ll be very lucky to be drafted.
Syvelle Newton, South Carolina – He was quiet all game, but blocked well in the running game when given the chance. He’ll be a 2nd day on pure athleticism.
Jayson Swain, Tennessee – Nowhere to be heard from on Saturday. I don’t expect him to get drafted.