Next up in the circuit that is the NFL Draft scouting process, is the East-West Shrine Game. Like the Hula Bowl, which I touched on earlier, it is a chance for draft prospects to showcase their game for scouts. This one, in terms of quality, falls in between the Senior Bowl and the Hula Bowl. For the most part, this game still consists of eventual late rounders and undrafted free agents. But, it is a great opportunity for teams to find some diamonds in the rough. Let’s take a look at some of the standouts from the East-West Shrine Game.
QB, Taulia Tagovailoa (Maryland)
Tagovailoa, the younger brother of the Miami Dolphins starting QB Tua, was impressive in just about every area during his stint on the field. He played great when forced to go off script, evading sacks and showing off good athleticism. His first play was a deep ball thrown on the run, and his accuracy continued throughout the drive. Tagovailoa showed the ability to throw to all three levels of the field, and his awareness in the pocket helped him when things started to break down. As a runner, he was able to get into the endzone, after evading a sack and escaping the pocket. From a scouting standpoint, he checked almost every box for his performance in this game.
DE’s, Grayson & Gabriel Murphy (UCLA)
The twin brothers and UCLA teammates both received invites to this game, and played well. Grayson stood out a bit more, showing good burst and speed off the edge. He also was able to get a couple of sacks. Gabriel, not to be left out, also had some good plays. On one, he showed good strength after kicking inside to rush the passer. He also beat his man on one side, while his brother won on the other. Grayson got the sack on the play, but both looked good from a scouting standpoint.
DT, Myles Murphy (North Carolina)
Not to be confused with Bengals DE Myles Murphy, or the two Murphies discussed above. This Murphy is an interior guy, and was one of the better defensive players in this game. He showed good quickness in some instances, and his ability to get through gaps forced some double teams to come his way.
WR, Anthony Gould (Oregon State)
Gould didn’t get a ton of opportunities to make plays, but he made sure to get noticed when he did get a chance. His impact came on a punt return that was taken all the way for a TD. His speed really stood out on the play, but also his elusiveness and contact balance for a smaller guy.
DE, Solomon Byrd (USC)
If this name looks a bit familiar on this site, it may be because he was also a standout in the Hula Bowl. Yes, players are allowed to double dip. He had a couple of nice plays early on in this game, including a sack, where he showed good speed to get around the edge. For Byrd, standing out in both games is sure to make an impression on teams scouting him.
CB, Qwan’Tez Stiggers (Toronto Argonauts)
Stiggers is in this game, trying to get to the NFL on a path rarely travelled. After a family tragedy, he did not go to college, despite initially having a football scholarship. He was out of football for a few years, before returning to the game in the Fan Controlled Football League. He then earned a place with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts out of camp, and was named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie at the end of the year. A draft prospect with pro experience isn’t something you see often. In the East-West game, Stiggers impressed, getting his hand on a pass to break it up, and generally playing well in coverage.
TE, Zach Heins (South Dakota State)
Heins has prototypical size for the NFL, and his speed and athleticism looked pretty good in this game. He made a great catch down the seam, elevating to get his hands on the ball. A big hit caused it to bobble, but his concentration allowed him to secure it once again.
WR, Tejhuan Palmer (UAB
Palmer brings some height to the table, but also showed some quickness in his route running. On one play, he displayed quick hands on a slant route, reaching high and behind to make the catch through contact.
Modified Featured Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)