Unfortunately, a full preview detailing every prospect wasn’t doable after a long Shrine Game week and the film required not being possible. However, I’ve seen a large majority of these prospects multiple times, and the key to evaluating these games is knowing what to look for.
So, I chose to list the ten players with the MOST to prove, and what exactly I’ll be looking for in each of them during the week. I put a lot of value in the Senior Bowl and seeing these guys side by side, especially at the quarterback position, so don’t be surprised to see us, along with others in the media and NFL teams, adjust their grades accordingly after this week’s practice.
1. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
Entering the game as the most gifted athlete at the quarterback position, Thomas has struggled to live up to high, Cam Newton-like expectations after his sophomore season. His inconsistencies in placement, progressions, and decision making, including when and when not to run , are concerning on film. However, he possesses the talent to still be considered on Day Two (and potentially early) if he can have a strong week this week.
2. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Boyd had the luxury of playing with a talented supporting cast at Clemson, particularly with receivers that made fantastic catches that hid some of his placement concerns across the field. Showing the flashes of Russell Wilson and Donovan McNabb at times, he has the tools to similar to those two, but has struggled to get to that point as a passer. Scouts will be curious to see him at the weigh-in, how he places the ball across the field, and how he responds to a new set of receivers in an unfamiliar offense.
3. Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Likely under-appreciated entering the game due to a lackluster quarterback this year, Abbrederis could leave as one of the top senior receivers. He possesses great hand usage in both press situations and when working downfield, having a phenomenal game against potential 1st rounder Bradley Roby and Ohio State. If he can showcase his route polish, consistently winning at the catch-point, and more big play ability after the catch than he showed on film, he could emerge as a legitimate Day Two selection.
4. Gator Hoskins, TE, Marshall
A late invite to the event, Hoskins made a name for himself during bowl season after a two touchdown performance in his final college game. The likely NFL H-Back, Hoskins will be able to show his versatility in route running from different initial positions, and if he can match up against NFL level safeties/coverage linebackers. A big week could make him a trendy late Day Two or early Day Three receiving tight end/H-Back option.
5. Weston Richburg, OC, Colorado State
With the hand exchange, footwork, leverage, and quickness in the run game, Richburg has the potentially to be a big winner this week if he can stand out among the interior linemen in attendance. He’ll need to show he can win against bigger nose tackles on the inside and fit in multiple schemes, but his ability to finish plays and quickness in his blocking footwork could push him up to a Day Two center prospect.
6. Kadeem Edwards, OG, Georgia Southern
A pleasant surprise as a I watched him on film in preparation, Edwards is a powerful inside run blocker who initiates contact at a high level and displays great power and upper body strength in pass protection. His hand placement is an issue, and quicker inside rushers (like Aaron Donald, Stephen Shamar) could expose him a bit. I’ll be watching his hand placement and initial pad level in pass protection closely this week
7. Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
If he were just a few inches taller, scouts wouldn’t have a concern with Donald being a Top 10 pick. However, his lack of ideal size likely limits him in the NFL, unless he can prove it won’t this week. He has the talent level and college production to have a fantastic week, and if he can show that NFL-level offensive linemen can handle him consistently, I’ll have no qualms about making him a Top 20 pick.
8. Shamar Stephen, DT, UConn
I had heard a lot of Stephen once he was invited, and the flashes he showed on a poor Uconn defense this year earned the praise he received. With quick hands initially, his speed-to-power transfer upfield, and his plus bend and fluidity inside and out, Stephen could emerge as a Day Two pick with a good week here. I’ll be watching his ability to disengage in the run game and his read-reaction ability in team running plays.
9. Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood
A Shrine Game call-up, Desir didn’t get a chance to utilize his length and natural physical ability during practices because the corners were limited to no pressing. He’ll get plenty of one-on-one situations with physical receivers like Jared Abbrederis, which will be a battle to watch early in the week. An impressive week here, combined with a solid Shrine Week and intriguing potential displayed on film, Desir could vault up into the high Day Two area after the Senior Bowl and Combine.
10. Jimmie Ward, SAF, Northern Illinois
Ward has played both cornerback and safety in his Northern Illinois career, and he’ll likely get work at both (particularly at nickel corner) this week. Ward is an active edge player, finishing tackles well and working man or zone coverage at a high level. I’ll be curious to see him remain balanced and quick to react from his safety spot, and how he can handle slot coverage against NFL-level receivers this week.
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