With the Bengals eliminated from the playoffs, the offseason now begins. Free agency is right around the corner, but the NFL Draft is also a major part of the offseason process. Though it is still months away, the process is continuous, with prospect games recently taking place. The Senior Bowl will be touched on at another time. Instead, this article will touch briefly on some of the standouts from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. Both games feature lesser known prospects, but have both produced some quality players in previous years. When looking for diamonds in the rough, these games can be great starting points.
NFLPA Bowl:
- DT, Jayson Ademilola
Ademilola had a solid showing at the NFLPA Bowl. Though he’s not the biggest guy, he put his power on display, using his bull rush to get to the QB and pick up a sack. He also seemed pretty quick on his feet, which, in addition to the power he displayed, shows he’s got some NFL upside.
- DT, Scott Matlock
Matlock is another interior defender who made a splash. He is a bit beefier than Ademolola, but actually ran a stunt to pick up his sack. He’s got a solid set of tools to work with himself, and had a good week of practice, according to reports.
- OT, Brandon Kipper
It wasn’t a perfect day, but Kipper’s size and strength was evident in the game. He can create movement in the run game, and had some solid pass sets.
- QB, Holton Ahlers
Ahlers won the award for the game’s MVP. It was, indeed, a pretty good outing. He went 9/12 for 189 yards and a TD. Though I don’t think his arm strength was anything special, he was accurate and showed the ability to go off script and make plays.
- QB, Malik Cunningham
It wasn’t a particularly good day on the stat sheet, for Cunningham, but he did show some positive things. His running ability is a clear asset, and his poise in the pocket was good. He didn’t just tuck the ball and run after his first read. Cunningham went through his progressions and left the pocket when appropriate. His throwing mechanics were not great at times. But overall, he looked like someone with solid backup potential at the next level.
East-West Shrine Game:
- LB, Isaiah Moore
In a defensive battle, Moore looked good for his team. Football IQ and his ability to process both looked good in this one. He also flashed in coverage, dropping back and getting his head turned at the right time to locate the ball and breakup the pass.
- WR, Bryce Ford-Wheaton
It wasn’t a big statistical day for many of the offensive players, Ford-Wheaton included. However, in his limited looks, he did show pretty decent speed and quickness for a bigger receiver, and displayed sticky hands when catching a pass off a slant.
- DE, Jose Ramirez
Ramirez put on a good display, and seems to have some skills that translate to the next level. He looks like a good athlete, and he used his great bend to turn the corner and get home for a strip sack.
- DE, Brandon Thompson
Thompson is a huge player, and seems to have at least relatively solid athleticism too. He was a tough player to handle, and managed to get to the QB for a sack.
- RB, Xazavian Valladay
Valladay was arguably the best rusher in this one. His game was pretty well rounded. He showed some speed, but also ran with some physicality. In a game where the offenses did very little, he stood out.
- DT, Dante Stills
Stills showed some nice hand moves that helped him find his way into the backfield on a few occasions. He made some nice plays against the run, and his motor seemed to be running high.
- K, Jake Moody
Moody was named the game’s MVP. He nailed two field goals from 51 yards out, as well as another two, both from 35. From an accuracy standpoint, he did cut some of them close. But he drained them with plenty of distance to spare. Leg strength was very impressive.
