Shrine Bowl How to Watch: Players who Stood out in Practice

The East West Shrine Bowl has consistently produced NFL Draft talent, from talented offensive players like Zay Flowers and Dorian Thompson-Robinson to outstanding defenders like Kobie Turner and Kei’Trel Clark. With 45 players drafted from the Shrine Bowl in the 2023 NFL Draft, this year should produce several draftable players who should have an impact at the next level.

With Shrine Bowl practices wrapping up and we prepare for the game, several players on both sides of the ball stood out as 2024 NFL Draft risers. Let’s dive into who the top players were from the Shrine Bowl this year and how to watch the game.

Top Players from the Shrine Bowl 2024

Running Backs

The class of running backs lacks a true frontrunner, but it’s shaping up to have plenty of depth. The back that stood out the most was Monmouth’s Jaden Shirden, who had 1,478 rushing yards and ten touchdowns last season, bringing his college career total to 3,252 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. His explosiveness was on full display and showed his receiving ability out of the backfield. Despite being undersized, Shirden will find a role in the NFL, whether as a change of pace back or a special teams contributor.

According to Melanie Friedlander of the Steelers Depot, after day two of practice, Deshaun Fenwick moved to a non-participant and was seen walking with a slight limp. Despite sitting out the rest of the week, Fenwick boosted his NFL Draft stock with two strong days of practice. He started the week by winning the measurables, coming in at 6006, 225 pounds, with 978 hands, 3248 arm length, and a 7748 wingspan. While he wasn’t the most productive back throughout his extended college career, Fenwick showed off his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and displayed great explosiveness. While we likely won’t see him for the game, we should hear his name called in April when the NFL Draft gets underway.

Wide Receivers

The wide receivers at the Shrine Bowl showed how deep this class of pass catchers is. UTSA’s Joshua Cephus looked phenomenal throughout the week, showing off his smooth route running ability and natural hands while displaying highlight reel potential. He’ll be a player to watch closely when the game kicks off and likely played his way into the early day three discussion for the NFL Draft.

Another receiver who won the week began by dominating in the measurement department. Holy Cross’ Jalen Coker measured in at 6012 and 218 pounds, with 978 hands, 3248 arm length, and a 7748 wingspan. He displayed his nuanced route running throughout the week, showing he could go up and get the ball at the high point and win the contested catch game. Coker received an invite to the Scouting Combine, meaning another important week for his rising draft stock is on the horizon.

Edge Rushers

While plenty of players shined on the offensive line, the edge rushers stood out the most. Starting with Gabriel Murphy from UCLA, who was dominating the majority of his reps. Notably, he was winning with a variety of pass-rush moves, crushing the one-on-ones and flashing in team drills. While Laiatu Latu had the spotlight on him this season, watch out for Murphy to be a player coveted early on in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Defensive Ends

Another defender who got a boost in his 2024 NFL Draft ranking was Eyabi Okie-Anoma, who was an outstanding defensive end for Charlotte in his first season after transferring from Michigan. Okie was arguably the biggest riser this week, exhibiting an explosive first step and an ability to win with speed and power. He ran over offensive linemen with a strong bull rush and showed off his flexibility by bending around the edge.

Defensive Backs

While the wide receivers showed out this week, a couple of defensive backs saw a bump in their NFL Draft stock. One of the most interesting stories throughout the week was the emergence of Toronto Argonauts star Qwan’tez Stiggers. He never played college football, leaving Lane College during his freshman year despite being on a scholarship due to personal reasons. His mother was a huge reason he began pursuing football again, signing with the Fan Controlled Football League and catching the eyes of CFL scouts. After signing with the Argonauts last season, Stiggers earned CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie and was a CFL East All-Star. With college eligibility left, he was able to partake in the Shrine Bowl. Most recently, he’s been making the most of the opportunity and putting his name on the NFL Draft radar.

Another defensive back who saw a rise in his ranking was Texas Tech’s safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. He displayed phenomenal range and tremendous coverage skills, showing he can play multiple different positions on defense. Taylor-Demerson made plays at single-high in team drills and locked down Malik Washington, one of the better receivers throughout the week, in one-on-one drills.

Honorable Mentions

• iWR Virginia Malik Washington
• oWR Western Carolina David White Jr.
• oWR Michigan Cornelius Johnson
• iWR Oklahoma Drake Stoops
• iWR USC Tahj Washington
• OG Boston College Christian Mahogany
• OC North Dakota State Jalen Sundell
• 3-4 DE Iowa Logan Lee
• NT Florida State Fabien Lovett
• NT Florida Atlantic Evan Anderson
• DT North Carolina Myles Murphy
• 4-3 DE Kansas State Khalid Duke
• DE USC Solomon Byrd
• 4-3 DE Clemson Xavier Thomas
• 3-4 OLB Grambling State Sundiata Anderson
• oCB Florida State Renardo Green
• oCB Pittsburgh A.J. Woods
• oCB Syracuse Isaiah Johnson
• oCB Alabama State Mikey Victor

How to Watch the Shrine Bowl 2024 Game

• When: Thursday, Feb 1, 2024, 8 pm ET.
• Where: The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
• How: NFL Network

2024 NFL Draft Quick Links

• Senior Bowl Invite Tracker
• 2024 NFL Draft Eligible Prospects Returning to School
• 2024 NFL Draft Tracker: Underclassman Who Have Declared

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