- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
- Messages
- 123,117
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.
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.