2020 NFL Draft: 10 Players to watch during Shrine Bowl week
What 2020 NFL Draft prospects should we pay attention to during Shrine Bowl week?
Happy draft season everyone! With the College Football Playoff done and just three NFL games left in the season, the 2020 NFL Draft process is underway! The process starts with the all-star games, and this week, both the Shrine Bowl and NFLPA Bowl are practicing and getting ready for games on Saturday.
The Shrine Bowl is a big week for senior prospects, and they have a chance to prove themselves in one-on-ones and make a statement in the game. There’s a chance that a player could get a call up to Mobile next week for the Senior Bowl. Plus, there are always Shrine Bowl players who make an impact in the NFL.
The 2018 game featured Phillip Lindsay, Poona Ford, and DaeSean Hamilton, and the 2017 game featured Kenny Golladay, Trey Hendrickson, and Ahkello Witherspoon.
Who could be the players to make an impact on Sundays from this game? Let’s look at 10 players who fit the bill.
Malcolm Perry, QB/WR, Navy
While Malcolm Perry was officially the quarterback in the Navy offense, it makes sense for the coaches at the Shrine Bowl to try him out at running back and wide receiver. His game against Army was very impressive this season, and he showed the speed, lateral agility, and power running the football. If he can switch positions and be effective, there’s a team that will find a way to make him impactful (*cough cough, Patriots*).
Tavien Feaster, RB, South Carolina
Tavien Feaster transferred to South Carolina from Clemson for his senior season with the running back room getting crowded. Feaster has great speed and quickness in open space and has shown the ability to make an impact on all three downs.
Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
Jack Driscoll was part of a great bookend duo at Auburn this past season, and he’s an intriguing draft prospect. Driscoll has great footwork and he gets into his sets well off the line to stay in front of defenders. If he can develop more refinement in terms of hand placement, there’s a chance he’s one of those offensive linemen who could end up being a starter down the line.
Mason Fine, QB, North Texas
Looking for a quarterback at the Shrine Bowl who throws a pretty ball? That’s North Texas quarterback Mason Fine. Fine doesn’t have the biggest arm, but he has very good placement and is calm under pressure. Look for him to have a lot of clips from practices this week, and to drop some dimes in the game on Saturday.
Binjimen Victor, WR, Ohio State
The wide receiver room was very full at Ohio State this season, and the emergence of underclassmen made targets few and far between. Binjimen Victor made the most of it, catching 35 passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns in his senior season. Victor has very fluid hips and is an effective route runner working vertically.
Calvin Throckmorton, OL, Oregon
More offensive linemen on the list? Absolutely. He may not have had the hype that other linemen at Oregon did, but Calvin Throckmorton will be a fun study for scouts. His versatility to play tackle and guard will be valuable to teams, and his hands and quickness are both very solid on tape. It will be interesting to see how he does in one-on-ones and where the coaches put him most often.
Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte
Alex Highsmith put some fun tape together in his final season at Charlotte. He finished with 15 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 13 games in 2019, a very impressive number. Highsmith has great hands and can trim the edge effectively, while also showing some flashes bending around it as well. He’s a favorite to put together and strong week and get the call up to Mobile.
Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
Lavert Hill is one of my favorite later round corners in this draft class, and he will be fun to watch in the Shrine Bowl. Hill shows great technique at the line of scrimmage and is great at timing his jumps to break up passes. His best position at the next level will probably be in the slot, where he can be physical and show off his football IQ.
Juwan Johnson, WR, Oregon
Juwan Johnson didn’t have an uber-productive final season at Oregon, but his size and strong hands can make him a red-zone threat. He’s shown some ability to create some initial separation at times, and if he can develop that part of his game, Johnson could make an NFL roster.
Next. Detroit Lions first round targets. dark
John Penisini, DL, Utah
Everyone talks about Leki Fotu and Bradlee Anae on the Utah defensive line, but John Penisini had a solid year as well. He shows great lower body strength and can create good leverage at the point of attack. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him have a strong week at the Shrine Bowl.