By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
Winners and Losers from East/West Shrine Game
This year’s East/West Shrine Game played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL ended with a 29-9 victory for the West. However, the only part that really matters is who helped or hurt their causes toward getting drafted into the NFL. Here is a few players who stood out this week:
WINNERS:
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon – Named the game’s offensive MVP, perhaps no one got more buzz than the diminutive Adams. Going 6 of 9 for 191 yards and 3 TDs, Adams looked sharp from the outset, scrambling away from pressure and completing strike after strike down field. The only thing he didn’t do this week is grow 3 inches, as his 5’11” 201lbs size will have teams dreaming of another Russell Wilson.
Victor Ochi, DE/OLB, Stony Brook – That football factory that is Stony Brook in New York is at it again, this time giving us the pass rusher Ochi. Relentlessly in the backfield most of the week, Ochi proved he belonged at a higher level despite his size (6’1” 244lbs) by using his long 33.5” arms to shed blockers and his speed to turn the corner. Ochi made himself some money this week.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Illinois – The best receiver of the week clearly goes to Geronimo Allison of Illinois. Using his 6’3” 197lbs frame to his advantage, Allison showed great hands and nice route running this week.
Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan – Top linemen of the week goes to Michigan’s Glasgow. At 6’6” 303lbs, Glasgow dominated the interior of the OL all week and even earned a call up to the Senior Bowl. Glasgow has risen to be my 3rd rated center overall
Daniel Lasco, RB, California – Despite guys like Ferguson or Woods getting more carries, I thought Lasco showed the most burst and was my best RB at the Shrine Game. Getting up to speed very quickly on draw plays, Lasco ripped of a 41 yard run in the 1st half that could have him as a 3rd down back steal in the mid to late rounds.
Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina St – Another small school defender who shined this week, Hargrave teamed with Ochi to be a disruptive force on the East’s D Line. At 6’2” 295lbs, Hargrave would be an ideal fit as the rotational 3 technique in the Dallas 4-3.
Mike Caputo, S, Wisconsin – As the game’s defensive MVP, Caputo (6’1” 206lbs) got the rare opportunity to victimize his own Wisconsin QB, Joel Stave, for a 66 yard INT and had another pick as well. Caputo is likely a backup/special teams guy but with a knack for the ball he could find a solid spot of an NFL roster.
Brian Poole, CB, Florida – When you have a 98 yard INT return for a touchdown, you gonna make the highlight reel. That’s exactly what Poole did to Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty in the game. Overall, Poole is a stout but shorter corner who will likely need to add weight and convert to FS.
David Onyemata, DE, Manitoba – Canada seems to always produce one solid defensive line prospect every year and this year’s it is Onyemata. At 6’4” and 300 lbs, Onyemata showed nice burst on the outside as well as a strong anchor versus the run. I fully expect for Onyemata to be in someone’s 3-4 DE rotation next season.
LOSERS:
Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky – Doughty really had a rough week, staring down defenders and missing open receivers down field. Doughty looks like a late round flier or practice squad type.
Keenan Reynolds, RB, Navy – The only thing that went south for the Navy QB turned runner is that he pulled a hamstring. Charlie Weis of the East team was fully ready to feature Reynolds in a variety of roles but the injury negated that chance. Reynolds will need to have a solid outing at the Combine to make up for this missed opportunity.
Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass-Amhearst – While many praised Sharpe for his size and speed combination (6’3” 188lbs), I was far more concerned with his propensity for body catching and his tiny (7.75”) hands. While he did get a call up to the Senior Bowl, I just don’t see how a wide receiver can succeed at the pro level like that.
COWBOYS VISITS:
While I could not find a complete list of prospects the Cowboys visited with, here is a few names as reported by www.walterfootball.com
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana
Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
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