The Shrine Game is the second-biggest all-star game for college football players and a key part of the schedule for NFL’s pilgrimage down south during the NFL Draft process. This year, the Shrine Game features a host of talented tight ends, two impressive pass rushers and a receiver from Air Force that could emerge as one of the best at his position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Based off of their college film and week of Shrine Game practices, here are the top-10 NFL Draft prospects to watch in the Shrine Game.
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Zach Terrell, QB, Western Michigan (West)
Easily the best quarterback prospect at the Shrine Game, Zach Terell finished a fantastic college career with a remarkably efficient senior season and the maturity and poise as a pocket passer. While he doesn’t have top-end measurables or top-flight arm talent, Terrell looks the part of a lesser Kirk Cousins. I’d expect him to have a few strong drives in the Shrine Game and show off that reliability.
Joe Williams, RB, Utah (West)
Joe Williams wasn’t playing football to start the 2016 college season, but returned to the team by midseason and took advantage of a tremendously talented Utah offensive line to run for multiple 200 yard rushing performances. He’s a one-cut power runner with some breakaway speed. He may emerge as the favorite for this year’s Day 3 running back who becomes an instant contributor as a rookie.
Jalen Robinette, WR, Air Force (West)
After the Shrine Game, the Air Force standout will quickly back his bags and fly to Mobile, Ala., to join the Senior Bowl rosters for another week of practices. With 6-3 size and freakish 10.75 inch hands, Robinette combines ideal measurables with near elite high-pointing ability and vertically-threatening upside. He has a chance to be the first military college alum to go in the first four rounds of the NFL Draft since Navy’s Bob Reifsnyder in 1959.
Eric Saubert, TE, Drake (East)
On film and during practice, Saubert showed he can separate like a receiver at the top of his route, and his versatility as a route runner and downfield weapon made him a surprising standout at the Shrine Game despite hailing from the small school level. His ability to generate separation against linebackers, safeties and even cornerbacks speaks well for his ability as a pass-catching option in a strong tight end class.
Taylor McNamara, TE, USC (West)
One of the biggest winners of the 2017 Shrine Game week of practice, McNamara is a complete athlete at the position who checks all the boxes and showcased this week that he was under-utilized at USC. With strong hands, fluid movement in the seam and on the perimeter, and quickly-built repertoire with the quarterbacks, I’d expect McNamara to have a strong game performance.
Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo (West)
With the longest wingspan (85 inches) and biggest hands (11 5/8) at the Shrine Game weigh-ins, along with the 16 touchdowns his senior season on just 45 receptions, Roberts will have plenty of NFL fans. After a strong week of practice and set to join Robinette as a Senior Bowl “call-up”, Roberts should use the game (and hopefully a redzone touchdown) to continue to stand out in a loaded tight end class.
Dan Skipper, OT, Arkansas (East)
At nearly 6-10 and 310 pounds, Skipper is the tallest prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft boasting two years of SEC experience at left tackle. He’s a plus initial run blocker and his length allows him to be effective pass blocker, but he has much to clean up. Still, I doubt he has much issue with pass rushers in the Shrine Game itself, and he should be a favorite among offensive line coaches who see him as a safe tackle prospect who can at the very least hold his own in the NFL.
Bryan Cox, DE, Florida (East)
Despite entering the week of practice and a surprising Senior Bowl snub and flashing his athleticism early in the week, Cox was plagued with inconsistency and struggled in one on ones. He’s an explosive, quick-footed edge player who should have dominated the week of practice, but will need a strong game as a speed rusher to keep him in top-four round contention for NFL teams.
Deatrich Wise, DE, Arkansas (East)
Tied with Michael Roberts for the longest wingspan at the Shrine Game (85 inches), Wise’s length and speed-to-power explosion on the perimeter could make him the highest drafted Shrine Game attendee. Even in a loaded pass-rusher class, Wise’s ideal body type, college experience and college flashes are all coveted by NFL teams. A sack or two in the game should leave scouts with a positive taste in their mouth as the shift their attention to the Senior Bowl.
Fabien Morneau, CB, UCLA (West)
Arguably the best cornerback at the Shrine Game this week and proved as much during practices, Morneau is a physical, well-built and experienced cornerback who plays with controlled aggressiveness and true cornerback discipline. His perfectly built NFL body type and strong play this week, along with being the only one who seemed to show signs of life versus Jalen Robinette, bodes well for his value.