The East-West Shrine game is in the books and there were a few players that showed up and put in some good tape. The game itself was low scoring with the East squad winning 19-3, mainly because the East defense stifled the West’s bad QB play.
The Cowboys need to get more from the pass rush and there were a few players that stood out. Historically, players in the Shrine game have been drafted in the 3rd rounds and later, so keep that in mind when getting too enamored with any of these guys.
Players I liked:
Za’Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky (6-5, 273)
Smith is the other defensive end that hasn’t received as much name recognition as Alvin Dupree, and I’m not sure why. Smith had a hell of a game, he was virtually unblockable at various times throughout the game. I like the speed he showed and jump off the ball, his first step had the tackles stumbling backwards. I was thoroughly impressed. The Cowboys need more pass rushers and Smith could be in that mix.
Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami (6-3, 271)
During the telecast Mayock said Chickillo comes from a 3-4 alignment, but was used in the 4-3 in the Shrine game and he flourished in my opinion. I feel that he’ll probably have a decent shot at catching on with a 4-3 team and could be a nice find for someone. Chikillo played with a non-stop motor and was disrupting the opposing QBs with regularity. It was the Chikillo and Smith show for a good part of the game.
Offensively, three players stood out the most for me.
John Miller, OG, Louisville (6-3, 315)
Miller looks like he’s ready to step on an NFL team and contribute. Visually looks the part, big, strong and stout in the running game. The Cowboys have put together a pretty good line, but they do need to get some better backups and guys who could potentially start in the future. Miller would fit that bill and could be considered if the Cowboys wanted to add more offensive line depth.
B.J. Finney, C, Kansas State (6-4, 324)
Finney is big center, plays physical and can move to the second level. Finney could play in the Cowboys system. He can play guard as well and this will be attractive to the Cowboys. Finney could provide solid depth behind Fredrick or could potentially play guard. To me, Ron Leary is pretty good, but I feel the Cowboys are still evaluating his knee before they invest a long-term deal. If the Cowboys draft another offensive guard, then this will confirm it.
Terrance McGee, RB, LSU (5-9, 200)
The Cowboys could be in the market for another running back if DeMarco Murray lands with another team in free agency. In this scenario, the Cowboys would have Joe Randle, Ryan Williams, and Lance Dunbar as the running back committee for 2015. That being said, it would not surprise me if the Cowboys add another running back for the sake of competition. Garrett is huge on creating competition and keep everyone on their toes no matter their status on the team. McGee didn’t get many chances to shine at LSU, but he looked good today, and showed some traits that could keep teams interested as the draft approaches.
What Draft Analysts are saying
Rob Rang from CBS Sports also liked Za’Darius Smith, he said:
Smith was the game’s most disruptive defender, using his combination of burst off the snap and long arms to slip past offensive tackles and harass the quarterback. Smith doesn’t possess the explosiveness as his former teammate and projected first round pick “Bud” Dupree, but he showed a quick first step and balance, a spin move and an effective bull rush in this game and forced an interception. For his efforts, he was named the Defensive Player of the Game.
and for Anthony Chickillo:
As he explained to sideline reporter Alex Flanagan on the NFL Network telecast of the game, Chickillo was used in a two-gap scheme that asked him to eat up blockers in Miami’s 3-4 scheme. For the East team Saturday, however, Chickillo lined up as a 4-3 defensive end and showed better-than-expected initial burst and closing speed. After signing at Miami as an extremely high regarded prep, Chickillo wasn’t terribly productive at the collegiate level. He projects nicely as a rotational defender in the NFL, however, as he has nose for the ball, plays with a terrific motor and, as he showed in this game, has position and scheme versatility.
on John Miller:
Mike Mayock pointed out Miller several times on the telecast and he was right in doing so, as the powerful drive blocker simply blasted defenders off the line throughout much of the game. Miller has the relative low center of gravity and thick base that scouts look for in interior lineman and has long enough arms (33″). In pass protection, he showed balance and reasonably light feet to mirror, as well as strong hands to latch and control. He also demonstrated the core flexibility and power to anchor against the bull rush.
Mayock also said: “He plays with great base and power in the run game.” Later, Mayock said “his upside for me is as a starting guard in the NFL.” Miller (6-3, 315) was a four-year starter who never redshirted for theCardinals, and he is a mauler in the run game. Jeremiah was asked on Twitter about a round projection for Miller and answered “3rd/4th.”
More on the Shrine Game:
What we learned about prospects in the 2015 East-West Shrine game
2015 NFL Draft: Smith, Chickillo, Shaw flash at East-West Shrine game
East-West Shrine game 2015: Score and Twitter reaction for College All-Star game
That’s it for this year’s Shrine game, take what you will from the game and analysis. Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys take a closer look at some of the prospects that played in this game.
Up next will be the Senior Bowl which is one of the most loaded rosters in recent Senior Bowl history. This game will be fun to watch and break down. The game is next Saturday.
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