2015 Shrine Bowl Stuff...

[boozeman]

2015 Shrine Game: Heinicke proving himself as week's top passer


By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

January 13, 2015 1:01 pm ET




In what could be the weakest draft class of senior quarterbacks in a few decades, the quarterbacks on the East-West Shrine Game roster don't jump out as NFL caliber passers. However, just like he did at Old Dominion, quarterback Taylor Heinicke is standing out on the field and has separated himself as the top player at his position this week in St. Petersburg.

In two practices this week, Heinicke has showed excellent timing and rhythm with his footwork and release, displaying proper ball velocity and spin off his hand. The biggest obstacle for quarterbacks in all-star settings is trying to develop chemistry with a brand new batch of targets, but Heinicke's peripheral vision allowed him to see the entire field and understand where open zones would be during 7-on-7 drills.

Jimmy Garoppolo was the highest drafted alum of the Shrine Game in the 2014 NFL Draft, hearing his name called in the second round (62nd overall) by the New England Patriots. Heinicke won't be drafted as high, but he might be the only draftable quarterback competing in this year's version of the All-Star game. He has similar arm talent as Aaron Murray or Chase Daniel and likely projects as a similar type of quarterback at the next level, fighting for a No. 2 job in the NFL.

Other notes from East practice on Tuesday:

• Syracuse offensive lineman Sean Hickey has lined up predominantly at right tackle through two practices, which has firmed up my opinion that his best NFL position will be inside at guard. He does a great job squaring up, playing with leverage and finishing his blocks, but his arm length and lack of ideal strength when not square to his target are concerns. Hickey has been the most consistent lineman this week with his technique and hasn't required much instruction from the coaches.

• South Alabama tight end Wes Saxton and Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan had a few intriguing battles Tuesday. In pass protection drills, Ryan got the best of Saxton as the tight end struggled to square up the rusher and mirror his moves, often lunging and losing balance. However, Saxton got his revenge in receiving drills as his athleticism proved to be too much for Ryan who couldn't cover the South Alabama pass-catcher. Although he has the fluidity and acceleration out of his cuts to create space, Saxton needs to be more consistent finishing catches.

• Texas State defensive back Craig Mager has been one of the more impressive defensive prospects through two practices on the East team. He has very good read/react quickness to see the play develop and drive on the ball to arrive simultaneously. Mager also received praise from the coaches for his effort and intelligence on specials teams, which will likely be his initial role in the NFL.

 

[boozeman]

2015 Shrine Game: Ifedi, Williams create buzz during West Practice


By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

January 13, 2015 4:55 pm ET

The West defensive roster has players from Stanford, USC and Michigan State, but it's a pair of unheralded defensive linemen, one from Memphis and the other from Northern Iowa, who stood out in a positive way during Tuesday's afternoon practice.

Memphis' Martin Ifedi and Northern Iowa's Xavier Williams entered the 2014 season with fringe draftable grades, but both helped themselves during their senior seasons and have kept that momentum going this week at Shrine practice. Although neither were overly impressive on Monday, both created buzz on Tuesday with their ability in one-on-one drills.

Ifedi has somewhat of a DE/DT tweener frame and skill-set, but looked effective in both spots during drills. Off the edge, he used natural dip and body momentum to ride the offensive tackles' hip before showing the strong hands to finish in the pocket. And then lining up inside, Ifedi was able to use his foot quickness and upper body power in unison to rip and shed past blockers.

Although a knee injury limited him in 2014, Ifedi has flashed on tape and it wouldn't be a surprise if he uses this platform in St. Petersburg as a launching pad up draft boards.

Williams has some strength issues and needs to improve his snap anticipation, but the foot quickness, athleticism and length allows him to play low with the body control to stay active on his feet. His long arms stand out immediately as he tries to gain proper hand placement with a motor that doesn't quit revving.

The strength of Williams' game is his active feet, but he will need to improve his functional strength to hold up in the NFL as a one-technique tackle. Nonetheless, he took advantage of below average interior line play by the West squad on Tuesday.

Other notes from West practice on Tuesday:

•Kansas middle linebacker Ben Heeney is a “right time, right place” type of linebacker and that's not by accident as he anticipates well with a quick first step to put himself in position to make plays. Those instincts have served him well during West practices, along with his toughness at the point of attack to take on blocks, never slowing his momentum until the whistle blows. The measureables and athleticism aren't special, but Heeney is in the mold of a throwback tough guy at the position who will make it tough on NFL coaches to cut him.

•Kansas State center B.J. Finney has been the most impressive interior lineman on the West roster and it hasn't been close. Part of that are the struggles of the other players at the position, but also because Finney has been that good. He moves his feet well with quick snap-and-set up, using his body angles and mechanics to shield defenders from the pocket. A four-year starter and former walk-on, Finney plays with that chip on his shoulder and his anticipation has been evident during practice reps, sensing moves and reacting accordingly.

 

[skidadl]

Other notes from West practice on Tuesday:

•Kansas middle linebacker Ben Heeney is a “right time, right place” type of linebacker and that's not by accident as he anticipates well with a quick first step to put himself in position to make plays. Those instincts have served him well during West practices, along with his toughness at the point of attack to take on blocks, never slowing his momentum until the whistle blows. The measureables and athleticism aren't special, but Heeney is in the mold of a throwback tough guy at the position who will make it tough on NFL coaches to cut him.

This guy is a real pain in the ass to opposing offenses.

 

[boozeman]

10 players who impressed Mayock at Shrine Game practices

By Mike Huguenin
College Football 24/7 writer
Published: Jan. 15, 2015 at 05:20 p.m.
Updated: Jan. 15, 2015 at 06:12 p.m.


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Four days of practice for Saturday's East-west Shrine Game finished up on a drizzly Thursday afternoon, and NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said these 10 players caught his eye during the week.

Virginia Tech S Detrick Bonner: Bonner (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), who has a 38-inch vertical jump, began his Hokies career at cornerback, then was moved to safety as a sophomore in 2012. He started each of Virginia Tech's 39 games the past three seasons. He finished his career with five interceptions and 23 pass breakups, and proved to be an effective blitzer this season with 3.5 sacks.

Louisville OT Jamon Brown: Brown (6-6, 328) is one of the biggest players at the all-star game. He began his college career at defensive tackle and played in two games at that position as a true freshman before moving to guard during the season. He was Louisville's starting right tackle as a sophomore in 2012, then started at left tackle the past two seasons. He was a weightlifter in high school in Kentucky. In addition, he has a nice singing voice, to the point that he performed John Legend's "Ordinary People" at the 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl luncheon.

Rice CB Bryce Callahan: After redshirting as a true freshman in 2010, Callahan (5-10, 185) was a four-year starter for the Owls. He broke his arm during the 2012 season, but returned after missing five games and started the Owls' bowl game. While he lacks ideal size, he has good quickness and ball skills; he finished his career with 13 picks and 33 pass breakups.

Miami G/T Jonathan Feliciano: Feliciano (6-5, 320) doesn't wow you with his athleticism or strength, but he is a hard-working guy who is tenacious and versatile. He started at guard and tackle during his career at Miami, and saw action this season at guard, left tackle and right tackle. Every offensive lineman was cross-trained at other line spots this week, and Feliciano was comfortable at both guard and tackle, though guard seems like his best position at the next level.

Memphis CB Bobby McCain: McCain (5-11, 190) was one of the standouts this week. Mayock points out that when you're a small cornerback -- and McCain's listed height is a bit generous -- "you better have great feet." And McCain does. Mayock calls him an "ideal nickel candidate." McCain never redshirted and was a four-year starter for the Tigers, finishing his career with 15 picks (he returned three for TDs) and 15 pass breakups. He also was a solid return man for the Tigers.

Louisville G John Miller: Miller (6-3, 315) never redshirted and was a four-year starter for the Cardinals. He is physical and can be a road-grader as a run blocker; he also improved as a pass protector this season.

San Diego State OT Terry Poole: Poole (6-5, 310) played two seasons of junior college football and signed with SDSU in 2012; he redshirted that fall, started at right tackle in 2013 and moved to left tackle in 2014. Poole is a good technician who looks as if he also could play guard.

Stanford S Jordan Richards: Mayock noted that Richards (5-11, 210) is not overly gifted athletically but is "very sound" with his fundamentals. He was a three-year starter for the Cardinal and was a first-team All-Pac-12 pick this season, when he had three interceptions, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and 79 tackles for one of the more physical defenses nationally.

Georgia CB Damian Swann: Swann (6-0, 185) was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs and had eight interceptions, 21 pass breakups and six forced fumbles in his career. He was physical and aggressive in one-on-one drills this week and certainly wasn't afraid to use his hands.


Central Michigan DT Leterrius Walton: Mayock said Walton had a "really good week." Walton (6-5, 305) was a three-year starter for CMU and showed an ability to be disruptive at times, with three sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his final two seasons with the Chippewas.

------------

Interesting.

Guys like Bonner and Jamon Brown have been ripped by the Twitter draftniks.

 

[boozeman]

2015 Draft: East-West Shrine Game Preview Includes Intriguing Linemen On Both Sides


Friday, January 16, 2015 4:50 PM CST

By Dane Brugler

NFL scouts, coaches and other front office members have already begun the pre-draft process and one of the first chapters of that journey is the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., an all-star exhibition game for senior prospects. The 90th edition of the Shrine Game will be played at Tropicana Field on Saturday but all 32 teams were represented this week to evaluate the 120 prospects during daily practices.

The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. next week is the premiere senior prospect All-Star game, but the Shrine Game will showcase dozens of future NFL starters as well. Over 100 players from last year’s game were either drafted or signed as undrafted free agents, including second round pick QB Jimmy Garoppolo and kicker Dan Bailey is one of a few Shrine Game alums currently on the Dallas Cowboys roster.

Below are five prospects at the East-West Shrine Game to watch on Saturday:

OG John Miller, Louisville (6-3, 315)

One of the better offensive line prospects at this all-star game, Miller flashed explosive lower body traits and point of attack power to be a people mover in the ground game during practice this week. He has taken well to the coaching and has improved in several areas, most notably rolling his hips at the contact point to generate movement as a run blocker. Miller, who played both left and right guard at Louisville, will overextend himself at times, but he does an excellent job on combo blocks, shifting his weight with smooth hips to motion and pull. He has also been the meanest lineman during practice, displaying the attitude needed to bury defenders.

DE Za’Darius Smith, Kentucky (6-5, 265)

Although he’s only an average athlete, Smith showed off his combination of initial quickness and core power to be effective both rushing off the edge and playing the run during seven-on-seven drills. He is at his best using his long arms and heavy hands to initiate contact and drive blockers into the pocket. Smith has only been playing the sport since his senior year in high school, but he has acclimated himself quickly with aggressive swim and swat moves and the passion needed to be effective at the NFL level. He projects best as a base left end in a four-man front.

WR Tre McBride, William & Mary (6-1, 205)

McBride is arguably the top offensive talent on the Shrine Game roster and showed why during practice this week with his advanced understanding of the wide receiver position. He doesn’t have imposing size or blazing speed, but he prides himself on the details, selling routes and using foot quickness in his breaks to create just enough separation. He did an excellent job during drills tracking and attacking the ball with quick eyes and hands to pluck, also taking reps as a punt returner. McBride is more smooth than explosive, reminding me a lot of Pierre Garcon.

OG Sean Hickey, Syracuse (6-5, 300)

Although he lined up at left tackle in college and right tackle during Shrine practices, Hickey’s best NFL position is inside at guard where he can best use his strengths. He sets up quickly and gets into position to react, staying coordinated and balanced through contact with proper technique. Hickey does just enough to cut off edge speed, but that’s likely not something that he will be able to get away with in the NFL as his lack of length is a glaring weakness. Nonetheless, he has the mental make-up and resolve to be a starter at the next level.

DL Tyeler Davison, Fresno State (6-2, 310)

A versatile defender who lined up everywhere on Fresno’s line, Davison showed off his mix of brute strength and foot quickness during practices, taking advantage of suspect offensive line talent. He is built like a rock and is at his best as a block-eating war daddy, taking on multiple blockers and clogging the middle of the line. He doesn’t always have a consistent plan, but does an excellent job occupying bodies up front and staying aggressive with a resilient attitude. Davison fits best as part of a rotation and has some similarities with current Cowboys one-technique, Nick Hayden.

 

[boozeman]

2015 NFL Draft: Smith, Chickillo, Shaw flash at East-West Shrine Game


By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

January 17, 2015 7:50 pm ET


College all-star games are like professional all-star games - they're designed with fans, not scouts, in mind. Players are liberally rotated and there is little regard for the final score, making the week of practice even more important to many scouts than the game, itself. NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler was there, highlighting prospects from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's practices.

As Allen Iverson famously said, we're talking about practice, though. Scouts want players who perform their best under the bright lights of game day.

The East-West Shrine Game was a defensive battle, with the East pulling out a 19-3 win at Tropicana Field.

Here's who stood out:

Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky (6-foot-5, 273 pounds):- 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.

Josh Shaw, CB, Southern Cal (6-1, 203): Shaw had more riding on his performance than most as he was suspended for much of the 2014 season. The well-built defensive back took full advantage, intercepting a pass in the end zone at corner and performing well on special teams. Shaw sports an NFL-ready frame but there is some question as to where he fits best. He's a bit tight in the hips, which limits his quickness and flexibility in coverage. His length and aggression could make him a press corner or possible convert back to safety, where he played early on with the Trojans.

Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami (6-3, 271): 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.

John Miller, OG, Louisville (6-3, 315): 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.

Terrence Magee, RB, LSU (5-09, 220): Magee made several very nice runs early, showing good lateral agility, balance and burst in decisive cuts to elude would-be tacklers. He has a short, squatty frame that makes him difficult to square up and tackle. Magee also showed good hands to extend and pull in a pass that was thrown a bit ahead of him.

B.J. Finney, OC, Kansas State (6-4, 324) - Finney was Brugler's top-rated lineman after the week of practice and it wasn't difficult to see why in this game. Finney, a former walk-on, has good initial quickness and plays with sound technique, keeping his knees bent and his butt down. He doesn't have ideal arm length at 31 7/8" which could keep him inside at center despite a frame that otherwise might project outside to guard. Finney showed good strength and tenacity, taking his opponent to the ground, at times, in this game.

'Tre McBride, WR, William and Mary (6-1, 205): McBride generated some buzz this week with his performance in practices and showed impressive fluidity as a route-runner in this game. He showed good balance and burst outside to generate separation, as well as enough suddenness to sneak past corners on double-moves. McBride caught a few passes, showing good hands, but was unable to keep a shorter corner from slapping the ball away late in the game.

Andre Davis, WR, South Florida (6-1, 207): Davis showed off his acceleration with two big catches in this game. His first came on an underneath route in which he initially caught the ball short of the first down marker. Davis recognized where he was and had to get to, showing a second burst to convert. The second came off a quick slant in which Davis left a few defenders in his wake. It went for a gain of 19 yards, the longest play from scrimmage in an offensively starved contest in which the only touchdown scored came in the closing seconds, giving the East a 19-3 victory.