East-West Shrine Week Preview

Defensive Line

Playing across from Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor (6’7/267) presents an equally imposing frame but plays so much tighter, especially in the hips. This doesn’t bode well for Taylor’s bend around the edge or change of direction, so his best chance to make it long term in the NFL is to put on good weight and strength to become a power rusher. If he can, Taylor has the necessary length to press the pocket as long as an aggressive mentality comes with it. Princeton DL Mike Catapano (6’4/270) is top heavy, but uses that broad upper body to win on first contact and shed when pass rushing. He, too, lacks change of direction and struggles to bend, but Catapano gets after it, even against the run. Michigan’s William Campbell (6’5/310) held his own at the one and three techniques this season due to a natural anchor, despite ducking his head against double teams. Campbell won’t press the pocket outside of winning with a motor, but the senior could give the West offensive line fits during run drills in practice if he refuses to be moved off his anchor in the middle of the defense.

Linebackers

I preview a few linebackers in my top ten list below, but a couple more are noteworthy. First is Florida’s Lerentee McCray (6’3/249), a do-everything player with the Gators asked to line up on the strong side, inside, and rush the passer from defensive end. I expect to see a lot of McCray on the strong side, where he can force runs back inside or get physical with tight ends at the line of scrimmage. His biggest issue is the lack of fluid hips in space, leading to missed tackles or poor angles. South Carolina’s DeVonte Holloman (6’2/240) switched to Spurrier’s “Spur” position during the offseason and played well, which might help NFL teams decide which spot he fits at best. If Holloman could excel in coverage against tight ends or in space while using an armbar to stay out of blockers’ grasp in the running game, it would be a successful week. FInally, Iowa State’s A.J. Klein (6’2/244) moved to the weakside when Jake Knott was sidelined with an injury. There’s no flash to his game, but Klein has a sideline motor and will to get to ball carriers on the edge or weed through trash between the tackles.

Defensive Backs

Four corners really caught my eye, and three are on the East roster. The first is Purdue’s Josh Johnson (5’11/195), one of the few corners that loves to get after it on the edge and frequently makes plays on his own in space. Johnson does his best work in man coverage, where he can mirror and stick to the hip pocket of his receiver rather than use less than adequate closing speed. Georgia’s Branden Smith (5’11/175), a prospect with limited experience after alternating between defensive and offensive snaps, is blessed with athletic talent. Smith played a lot of zone coverage for the Bulldogs, often times entering the game as the third corner, and his click and close speed is naturally fast. Comfort is the only thing holding him back, and it would not surprise me if Smith left this week as the top corner from the event. Georgia Tech’s Rod Sweeting (6’0/187) gave up way too much cushion in college but flashed when pressing at the line of scrimmage, using a nice strafe to turn and run with downfield receivers. I was very intrigued by Illinois’ Terry Hawthorne (6’1/193) prior to the season, but an early tackling injury combined with playing as part of an underperforming Illini defense left a sour taste in my mouth. Hawthornes isn’t afraid to attack the edge against the run or disrupt at the catch point. He cannot, however, get caught staring in the backfield and allow receivers to run right past him, unimpeded.

Top Ten Players at the East-West Shrine:

1. RB Zac Stacy (5’9/214), Vanderbilt - I love Zac Stacy, and I think he will be an early third day selection that produces immediately for whatever team drafts him. This year Stacy looked far more decisive with his explosive cuts and rarely went down on first contact. He could thrive in a zone blocking scheme and isn't afraid to get after it in pass protection.

2. RB Ray Graham (5’10/190), Pittsburgh - A knee injury in 2011 left Graham, the nation’s leading rusher at the time, sidelined for an extended period of time. He didn’t seem his old self until the Notre Dame this year, but Graham started hitting the hole more quickly while making effective upfield cuts to make defenders miss.

3. LB Keith Pough (6’3/238), Howard - Surprised? You might not be after this week, as Pough could take over the West practices as the top defensive talent. He is still growing into his frame as a long outside linebacker in a four man front, but Pough’s speed around the edge to make tackles for loss is excellent. Add in some bend and a bit of experience in coverage and Pough could be the first player from this event selected. Added strength would help Pough shed on the edge and bring ball carriers to the ground with more power, but Pough can win in his current state.

4. TE Joseph Fauria (6’7/255), UCLA - The Bruin was finally used correctly as a senior. Split wide or detached from the line of scrimmage in the slot, Fauria is a long redzone target that is only improving with his routes and strength at the catch point. Just don’t ask him to block.

5. LB Gerald Hodges (6’2/251), Penn State- He was outplayed by teammate Michael Mauti until the senior went down with a knee injury, but Hodges offers more athleticism to cover ground. Wasted steps hurt when overrunning plays, but Hodges flashes physical play and has been frequently asked to play in space and cover slot targets.

6. S Duke Williams (6’0/200), Nevada - Williams loves to close on the edge and takes that aggression into coverage with strong angles. Few safeties consistently make contact with ball carriers at the line of scrimmage or behind it, but Williams can frequently be seen rushing in tight to disrupt and hit with force. Add on Williams’ experience in covering slot targets and the Nevada senior could be in for a big week.

7. LB Sio Moore (6’2/229), UConn- Moore was asked to be a utility defender for the Huskies, rushing the passer with great speed around the edge and play the weakside linebacker spot in a run and chase role. The athleticism is there, but at times moore shows stiff hips when attempting to break down for a tackle in space.

8. T Manase Foketi (6’5/325), West Texas A&M - A transfer from Kansas State, Foketi has an oddly shaped frame in terms of skinny arms and a thick core. Still, if he gets over some of his waist bending, Foketi shows the proper footwork to mirror in pass protection and a nasty attitude to bully his opposition in the running game.

9. S Shamarko Thomas (5’10/208), Syracuse - Depending on his success, Thomas will be described as “reckless” or “aggressive.” Regardless, the Orange safety loves to throw around his body and set the tone physically, but that might cause him to bite on misdirection and play fakes.

10. G Jeff Baca (6’3/295), UCLA - Interior offensive linemen that possess a mean streak and motor tend to stick, and despite not being the most physically gifted player, Baca gets after it and doesn’t give up on his blocks. He doesn’t move well to the second level, but as long as Baca can mirror laterally he should make a roster.

Stuck between the BCS National Championship and the Senior Bowl is the less publicized East-West Shrine Game, held on Saturday, January 19 in Tampa Bay. Although the highest profile NFL-bound senior prospects attend the Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine annually graduates solid mid-round talents that produce early in their rookie seasons. Last year's alumni include 49ers WR A.J. Jenkins (30th), Redskins G Josh LeRibeus (71st), Texans G Brandon Brooks (76th), Cowboys DE Tyrone Crawford (81st), Saints DT Akiem Hicks (89th), Minnesota WR Jarius Wright (118th), Panthers CB Josh Norman (143rd), and Redskins RB Alfred Morris (173rd), just to list a few.

The 2013 roster is incredibly deep at the running back position, so it only makes sense the linebacker group is equally talented. Many non-FBS prospects make a name for themselves during this week of “even” competition, and although I watched around 90 percent of the prospects listed on the roster, I will certainly be surprised by a handful of players that outperform their tape. With a prospect like Akiem Hicks, a former LSU recruit, making noise during his rookie year after taking the large step up from Canadian collegiate football, expect evaluators to keep a close eye on similar stories and “upside” prospects that won’t look lost if they touch the field. The full roster can be found here.

Throughout the game's week of practices, I will be posting articles here, tweeting observations from the field, and giving input on every player on the roster, so follow me @JoshNorris. For now, here are some of the top prospects sorted by position. If a player is not listed under their positional category, they might have made my top ten list at the end of the column. All heights and weights are projected until weigh-ins take place on Monday.

Quarterback

There is little doubt that the highest profile prospect attending the week of practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, is Kansas State’s Collin Klein (6’4/226). Unlike the more mobile Denard Robinson, Klein will go through the pre-draft process at the quarterback position. This event will be a good test to see how Klein handles traditional drops and the footwork necessary to make a roster as a signal caller. He has a hitch in his throwing motion, and even with improved intermediate to downfield accuracy this season, Klein’s biggest struggle could be working through progressions while staying in the pocket. I won’t be surprised if three other attending quarterbacks outplay the Kansas State product. The first is one year starter Matt Scott (6’3/196). The Arizona Wildcat’s best asset is his mobility to buy time while making quick decisions with an equally quick release. However, just like Klein, Scott was not locked into the pocket and brings a lot of fidgety movements to his game. Texas Tech’s Seth Doege (6’1/197) is another with a chance to claim top quarterback honors. The Red Raider is limited from a physical standpoint, but Doege plays within himself while working through progressions and putting passes on targets in tight spaces. FInally, the wildcard is Southeastern Louisiana’s Nathan Stanley (6’5/215), a late add to the roster after Duke’s Sean Renfree went down with an injury. Stanley has the biggest arm of the group and was not afraid to test vertically against single coverage, something that can be missed in these all star settings since prospects fear making mistakes.

Running Back/H-Back/Fullback

The running back position is an odd one to critique at these types of events because of the limited contact during practice. An example last year was Alfred Morris. Teams rarely practiced slant or zone blocking, and Morris was barely able to show off his pinball style when bouncing off attempted tackles. The rookie sensation even took some snaps from fullback. As a whole, this year’s talent is much better, and Shrine week is a great platform for a prospect like Christine Michael (5’11/220). After being a very productive runner while not sidelined with injuries, Michael was seemingly stuck in Kevin Sumlin’s dog house in 2012 at Texas A&M. His coaches may not give him a glowing recommendation, but his tape in 2011 will, and Michael has a nice blend of power, agility, and balance. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Utah State’s Kerwynn Williams (5’8/189) made the most of his only season as a starter, stepping up to the plate after Robert Turbin and Michael Smith took their talents to the NFL. Williams’ game is heavily dependent on speed and either knifing through a lane created by the offensive line or beating defenders to the edge and turning the corner. SMU’s Zach Line (6’1/230) is also intriguing, in that he might find a home at fullback in the NFL, but will get one last shot to impress at running back during the week of practice. Line’s vision and anticipation is very good, but he lacks desired quickness and even power despite his large frame.

Wide Receiver/Tight Ends

There is one major quality to love about Virginia Tech WR Marcus Davis (6’4/225), athleticism, as he is a prospect primed to put on a great show at the Combine. Even looking past his suspect blocking effort, the Hokie’s biggest issue is his inconsistency at the catch point, specifically unreliable hands. Davis is best known for stretching the field vertically, but the majority of those types of prospects cannot take the next step and break the wall of being just a role player. Florida State’s Rodney Smith (6’6/219) offers a good frame and long strides to win on intermediate routes, but the progression is to start using his body at the catch point rather than playing like a smaller receiver. Coming off the National Championship where he was limited from a production standpoint, Notre Dame’s Theo Riddick (5’11/200) played a ton of running back and receiver this season. Some have referred to him as a poor man’s Percy Harvin, and although he lines up from a variety of spots, Riddick’s cuts aren’t so much explosive as they are exaggerated. Still, it is nice to have a prospect with his kind of positional versatility because it could create mismatches with defensive personnel. Another name to watch is Mount Union’s Jasper Collins (5’11/190), a real burner from the slot but might struggle against FBS caliber corners. From the tight end position, Nevada’s Zach Sudfeld (6’7/255) presents some intriguing qualities as a possible second tight end down the line. Along with being an adequate receiving option as a hands catcher with size, Sudfeld is a very comfortable blocker and pancaked multiple opponents this season.

Offensive Line

This is the positional group with the weakest talent, but a few deserve to be on this list. The first is Iowa C James Ferentz (6’2/290), the coach’s son. He’s small and might not be able to anchor against a face up nose tackle in a three man front, but Ferentz fights for positioning on every snap, uses foot quickness and leverage to his advantage, and can really get after it. He might not have a frame to grow into, but Ferentz is one of my favorite sixth- or seventh-round prospects because technique can compensate for deficiencies in other areas. Arkansas-Pine Bluff T Terron Armstead (6’5/310) will likely make the move to guard because of his proficiency in blocking on the move. The small schooler is at his best leading blocking on the edge or trapping between the tackles, and although he can be weak on first contact, Armstead has athletic feet to warrant a possible “upside” selection. One of the few Canadian prospects, McMaster University’s Matt Sewell (6’8/345) is a massive blocker that is predictably stiff in the hips, but displays plenty of strength to bully his opponent. A move to the right side is in his future, but the key will be to note if Sewell can mirror in pass protection. Lastly, T Dann O’Neill (6’7/305), a Michigan transfer, finished his career at Western Michigan blocking for fellow attendee Alex Carder. O’Neill should be one of the few prospects able to play the left or right side because of his consistency at anchoring against the pass rush and redirecting momentum.

Defensive Line

Playing across from Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor (6’7/267) presents an equally imposing frame but plays so much tighter, especially in the hips. This doesn’t bode well for Taylor’s bend around the edge or change of direction, so his best chance to make it long term in the NFL is to put on good weight and strength to become a power rusher. If he can, Taylor has the necessary length to press the pocket as long as an aggressive mentality comes with it. Princeton DL Mike Catapano (6’4/270) is top heavy, but uses that broad upper body to win on first contact and shed when pass rushing. He, too, lacks change of direction and struggles to bend, but Catapano gets after it, even against the run. Michigan’s William Campbell (6’5/310) held his own at the one and three techniques this season due to a natural anchor, despite ducking his head against double teams. Campbell won’t press the pocket outside of winning with a motor, but the senior could give the West offensive line fits during run drills in practice if he refuses to be moved off his anchor in the middle of the defense.

Linebackers

I preview a few linebackers in my top ten list below, but a couple more are noteworthy. First is Florida’s Lerentee McCray (6’3/249), a do-everything player with the Gators asked to line up on the strong side, inside, and rush the passer from defensive end. I expect to see a lot of McCray on the strong side, where he can force runs back inside or get physical with tight ends at the line of scrimmage. His biggest issue is the lack of fluid hips in space, leading to missed tackles or poor angles. South Carolina’s DeVonte Holloman (6’2/240) switched to Spurrier’s “Spur” position during the offseason and played well, which might help NFL teams decide which spot he fits at best. If Holloman could excel in coverage against tight ends or in space while using an armbar to stay out of blockers’ grasp in the running game, it would be a successful week. FInally, Iowa State’s A.J. Klein (6’2/244) moved to the weakside when Jake Knott was sidelined with an injury. There’s no flash to his game, but Klein has a sideline motor and will to get to ball carriers on the edge or weed through trash between the tackles.

Defensive Backs

Four corners really caught my eye, and three are on the East roster. The first is Purdue’s Josh Johnson (5’11/195), one of the few corners that loves to get after it on the edge and frequently makes plays on his own in space. Johnson does his best work in man coverage, where he can mirror and stick to the hip pocket of his receiver rather than use less than adequate closing speed. Georgia’s Branden Smith (5’11/175), a prospect with limited experience after alternating between defensive and offensive snaps, is blessed with athletic talent. Smith played a lot of zone coverage for the Bulldogs, often times entering the game as the third corner, and his click and close speed is naturally fast. Comfort is the only thing holding him back, and it would not surprise me if Smith left this week as the top corner from the event. Georgia Tech’s Rod Sweeting (6’0/187) gave up way too much cushion in college but flashed when pressing at the line of scrimmage, using a nice strafe to turn and run with downfield receivers. I was very intrigued by Illinois’ Terry Hawthorne (6’1/193) prior to the season, but an early tackling injury combined with playing as part of an underperforming Illini defense left a sour taste in my mouth. Hawthornes isn’t afraid to attack the edge against the run or disrupt at the catch point. He cannot, however, get caught staring in the backfield and allow receivers to run right past him, unimpeded.

Top Ten Players at the East-West Shrine:

1. RB Zac Stacy (5’9/214), Vanderbilt - I love Zac Stacy, and I think he will be an early third day selection that produces immediately for whatever team drafts him. This year Stacy looked far more decisive with his explosive cuts and rarely went down on first contact. He could thrive in a zone blocking scheme and isn't afraid to get after it in pass protection.

2. RB Ray Graham (5’10/190), Pittsburgh - A knee injury in 2011 left Graham, the nation’s leading rusher at the time, sidelined for an extended period of time. He didn’t seem his old self until the Notre Dame this year, but Graham started hitting the hole more quickly while making effective upfield cuts to make defenders miss.

3. LB Keith Pough (6’3/238), Howard - Surprised? You might not be after this week, as Pough could take over the West practices as the top defensive talent. He is still growing into his frame as a long outside linebacker in a four man front, but Pough’s speed around the edge to make tackles for loss is excellent. Add in some bend and a bit of experience in coverage and Pough could be the first player from this event selected. Added strength would help Pough shed on the edge and bring ball carriers to the ground with more power, but Pough can win in his current state.

4. TE Joseph Fauria (6’7/255), UCLA - The Bruin was finally used correctly as a senior. Split wide or detached from the line of scrimmage in the slot, Fauria is a long redzone target that is only improving with his routes and strength at the catch point. Just don’t ask him to block.

5. LB Gerald Hodges (6’2/251), Penn State- He was outplayed by teammate Michael Mauti until the senior went down with a knee injury, but Hodges offers more athleticism to cover ground. Wasted steps hurt when overrunning plays, but Hodges flashes physical play and has been frequently asked to play in space and cover slot targets.

6. S Duke Williams (6’0/200), Nevada - Williams loves to close on the edge and takes that aggression into coverage with strong angles. Few safeties consistently make contact with ball carriers at the line of scrimmage or behind it, but Williams can frequently be seen rushing in tight to disrupt and hit with force. Add on Williams’ experience in covering slot targets and the Nevada senior could be in for a big week.

7. LB Sio Moore (6’2/229), UConn- Moore was asked to be a utility defender for the Huskies, rushing the passer with great speed around the edge and play the weakside linebacker spot in a run and chase role. The athleticism is there, but at times moore shows stiff hips when attempting to break down for a tackle in space.

8. T Manase Foketi (6’5/325), West Texas A&M - A transfer from Kansas State, Foketi has an oddly shaped frame in terms of skinny arms and a thick core. Still, if he gets over some of his waist bending, Foketi shows the proper footwork to mirror in pass protection and a nasty attitude to bully his opposition in the running game.

9. S Shamarko Thomas (5’10/208), Syracuse - Depending on his success, Thomas will be described as “reckless” or “aggressive.” Regardless, the Orange safety loves to throw around his body and set the tone physically, but that might cause him to bite on misdirection and play fakes.

10. G Jeff Baca (6’3/295), UCLA - Interior offensive linemen that possess a mean streak and motor tend to stick, and despite not being the most physically gifted player, Baca gets after it and doesn’t give up on his blocks. He doesn’t move well to the second level, but as long as Baca can mirror laterally he should make a roster.