Early Thoughts on NFL Draft

[OldSchool]

on past trades since sneaks been here he averages 3 trades a draft. I know we are more than likely going to.. on pfn on my mocks I always have to go to the draft trade chart to find trade partners who have picks that it numerically makes sense.

Anyways, I really like Jason Marshall as a 4-6 rounder for us. Hope his stock don’t climb! lol

Yeah I read and see a lot of nice things. I'm no scout and don't pretend to be but he seems like he'd be another day 3 gem. Ozzy Trapilo seems like another day 3 guy especially as an OT.

 

[methomas50]

View: https://x.com/NFL_DF/status/1879955035750301724

 

[OldSchool]

View: https://x.com/NFL_DF/status/1879955035750301724

Seems like a very good TE draft with 3 or 4 guys who could go in the first 2 rounds and about that many again before the 5th that all will be good.

 

[methomas50]

View: https://x.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1879707669847839017

 

[methomas50]

View: https://x.com/NFL_DF/status/1878467183858106667

 

[methomas50]

View: https://x.com/RiseNDraft/status/1877176334054502753

 

[Memphis Ram]

2025 East-West Shrine Bowl roster reveal: What you need to know

2025 East-West Shrine Bowl roster reveal: What you need to know​

Published: Jan 17, 2025 at 05:31 PM

Eric Edholm
Lead Draft Writer

The East-West Shrine Bowl revealed on Friday its initial list of NFL prospects who have accepted invitations to participate in the 2025 edition.

The annual all-star event has produced improved NFL draft results in recent installments, hauling in more talent with each passing year.

Two under-the-radar prospects at the time, Isiah Pacheco and Brock Purdy, highlighted the 2022 roster. In 2023, the game produced a strong group of talent led by first-rounder Zay Flowers. The 2024 game featured two top-50 picks, 10 players taken in the first 104 selections and 57 total draft picks -- an all-time high for the event.

Shrine Bowl director of football operations and player personnel Eric Galko believes the game's 2025 crop of talent will surpass last year's record showing in the draft.

"We've had an uptick in draft picks every year the past three years, and this year will be another uptick," Galko told me. "I don't have any doubt about that. I'd be shocked if we don't have more than a year ago.

"I just see the talent we have this year, and I get really excited, especially guys at the top of the draft."

That includes the most recognizable name attending the event: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, who committed to the Shrine Bowl in November. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has played at a high level for his father -- first at Jackson State, then at CU -- and has become one of the most highly touted QB prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

But Sanders isn't the only big-name player at this year's Shrine Bowl, with strong talent at other positions, including defensive line and cornerback.

With Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams coaching the East team and New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen coaching the West team, practices will run from Jan. 25 to Jan. 28, followed by the game itself -- the 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl -- at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, on Thursday, Jan. 30. The game will air on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET.
Here are three things you need to know about this year's Shrine Bowl roster.

​

1) Sanders leads deep Colorado contingent.
One of the best-represented schools at the Shrine Bowl will be Colorado, featuring six prospects. Shedeur Sanders is the obvious headliner. Galko told me he believes Sanders can use the week to springboard his way toward the top of the draft. Coaching the quarterbacks for Sanders' West team will be Titans offensive assistant coach Payton McCollum. The Titans hold the draft's No. 1 overall pick and are hiring Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi as their new GM, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.
Shedeur Sanders will be joined by two Buffaloes safeties, including his brother, Shilo Sanders, and will have the benefit of throwing to his second-, third- and fourth-leading receivers from the 2024 season (behind Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter): LaJohntay Wester, Will Sheppard and Jimmy Horn Jr. Shilo Sanders was third on the Buffs in tackles in 2024 and has racked up five forced fumbles and two TD returns on defense the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, simmering in the background in Dallas is the chatter about the mutual interest between Deion Sanders and the Cowboys regarding the team's vacant head-coaching position. By the time the Shrine Bowl is underway, could he be known as Cowboys coach Deion Sanders? That remains to be seen, but the timing of the buzz and the game have added an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

2) More QBs to know.
Sanders isn't the only talented passer at the event. Next in line might be Syracuse's Kyle McCord, who turned in a career-best season for the Orange after a tumultuous exit from Ohio State.
McCord had a solid first season as a starter at Ohio State in 2023, but following the Buckeyes' loss to Michigan that season, he transferred to Syracuse -- and took his game to an even higher level. Leading the FBS in completions (391), pass attempts (592) and passing yards (4,779), McCord finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting and had 13 TDs and zero interceptions in his final five games.
"Media-wise, Kyle McCord is being incredibly underappreciated," Galko said. "I do feel strongly that he will not be taken after the third round, as it stands today."
Other QBs scheduled to attend include Missouri's Brady Cook, North Dakota State's Cam Miller and Minnesota's Max Brosmer. Cook threw 50 TD passes in 47 career games with the Tigers, starting in each of the last three seasons. Miller started 54 straight games, leading the Bison to his second FCS championship in four years. The toolsy Brosmer had impressive moments for the Gophers after leveling up from FCS New Hampshire.

3) Talent abundant at DL, CB.
Galko touted the defensive line and cornerback as not only two of the stronger positions in the 2025 NFL Draft at large, but also for his game.
At defensive tackle, there's an impressive group, led by Michigan's Kenneth Grant, the Georgia duo of Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, Indiana's CJ West and Maryland's Jordan Phillips. Grant might end up one of the higher-drafted defensive players at the Shrine in recent years.
Cornerback also features a robust group, although one potential high pick, Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina, still won't be able to perform following the torn ACL he suffered in late September. Galko said Ravel still plans to attend, saying he'll be a "first-round interview" for scouts in attendance.
Other CB names to watch include Cal's Nohl Williams, the Kansas pair of Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson, Rutgers' Robert Longerbeam and Oregon's Jabbar Muhammad.
Ole Miss' Antwane Wells Jr. also has some buzz. Other receivers to watch include UNLV's Ricky White (four career blocked punts) and Maryland's Kaden Prather.
Other impressive playmakers include Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks, South Carolina RB Rocket Sanders and Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II. The son of the former Dolphins receiver of the same name, Gadsden will be one of the more intriguing athletes in attendance.
Defensive standouts -- not mentioned above -- include edge rushers Bradyn Swinson (LSU) and Fadil Diggs (Syracuse), Ole Miss LB Chris Paul and Arizona State S Shamari Simmons.

2025 East-West Shrine Bowl participants​

QUARTERBACK​

• Max Brosmer, Minnesota
• Brady Cook, Missouri
• Kyle McCord, Syracuse
• Cam Miller, North Dakota State
• Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
• Payton Thorne, Auburn

RUNNING BACK​

• Jaydon Blue, Texas
• Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
• Ja'Quinden Jackson, Arkansas
• Montrell Johnson Jr., Florida
• Corey Kiner, Cincinnati
• Phil Mafah, Clemson
• Rocket Sanders, South Carolina

WIDE RECEIVER​

• Ja'Corey Brooks, Louisville
• Sam Brown, Miami
• Jacolby George, Miami
• Traeshon Holden, Oregon
• Jimmy Horn, Colorado
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn
• Dominic Lovett, Georgia
• Jackson Meeks, Syracuse
• Konata Mumpfield, Pittsburgh
• Nick Nash, San Jose State
• Isaiah Neyor, Nebraska
• Kaden Prather, Maryland
• Will Sheppard, Colorado
• Dont'e Thornton Jr., Tennessee
• Theo Wease Jr., Missouri
• Antwane Wells Jr., Mississippi
• LaJohntay Wester, Colorado
• Ricky White, UNLV

TIGHT END​

• Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech
• Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
• Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn
• Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
• Luke Lachey, Iowa
• Caden Prieskorn, Mississippi
• Carter Runyon, Towson
• Ben Yurosek, Georgia

OFFENSIVE LINE​

• Bryce Cabeldue, Kansas
• Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, Oregon State
• Jack Conley, Boston College
• Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma State
• Tyler Cooper, Minnesota
• Brandon Crenshaw-Dixon, Florida
• Joshua Gray, Oregon State
• Gus Hartwig, Purdue
• Joe Huber, Wisconsin
• Nash Jones, Texas State
• Drew Kendall, Boston College
• Tim McKay, N.C. State
• Luke Newman, Michigan State
• Thomas Perry, Middlebury
• Hollin Pierce, Rutgers
• Esa Pole, Washington State
• Xavier Truss, Georgia
• Gareth Warren, Lindenwood
• Trey Wedig, Indiana
• Marcus Wehr, Montana State
• Aiden Williams, Minnesota-Duluth
• John Williams, Cincinnati

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE​

• Tommy Akingbesote, Maryland
• Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech
• Warren Brinson, Georgia
• Joe Evans, UTSA
• Kenneth Grant, Michigan
• Eric Gregory, Arkansas
• Jared Harrison-Hunte, SMU
• Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
• Cam Horsley, Boston College
• Nash Hutmacher, Nebraska
• Sean Martin, West Virginia
• JJ Pegues, Mississippi
• Jordan Phillips, Maryland
• Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
• Jay Toia, UCLA
• CJ West, Indiana

EDGE​

• Tyler Baron, Miami
• Tyler Batty, BYU
• Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
• Ethan Downs, Oklahoma
• Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
• Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly
• Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
• Elijah Roberts, SMU
• Que Robinson, Alabama
• Bradyn Swinson, LSU
• Johnny Walker, Missouri

LINEBACKER​

• Carson Bruener, Washington
• Teddye Buchanan, Cal
• Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky
• Jay Higgins, Iowa
• Chandler Martin, Memphis
• Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
• Kain Medrano, UCLA
• DeShawn Pace, UCF
• Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi
• Greg Penn III, LSU
• Aaron Smith, South Carolina State
• Jackson Woodard, UNLV
• De'Rickey Wright, Vanderbilt

CORNERBACK​

• Zy Alexander, LSU
• Cobee Bryant, Kansas
• Jordan Clark, Notre Dame
• Mello Dotson, Kansas
• O'Donnell Fortune, South Carolina
• Zah Frazier, UTSA
• Jermari Harris, Iowa
• Marcus Harris, Cal
• Tyron Herring, Delaware
• Garnett Hollis Jr., West Virginia
• Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina
• Jalen Kimber, Penn State
• Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers
• Jason Marshall, Florida
• Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon
• Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
• Corey Thornton, Louisville
• Justin Walley, Minnesota
• Isas Waxter, Villanova
• Nohl Williams, Cal

SAFETY​

• Alijah Clark, Syracuse
• RJ Mickens, Clemson
• Glendon Miller, Maryland
• Shilo Sanders, Colorado
• Marques Sigle, Kansas State
• Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig, Colorado
• Shamari Simmons, Arizona State
• Mike Smith Jr., Eastern Kentucky
• Craig Woodson, Cal

SPECIALISTS​

• Andres Borregals, Miami (K)
• Luke Elzinga, Oklahoma (P)
• Kai Kroeger, South Carolina (P)
• Brent Matiscik, TCU, (LS)
• Ben Sauls, Pittsburgh (K)
• Josh Wojciechowicz, Colorado School of Mines (LS)

 

[Memento]

I've mentioned Hollin Pierce (Rutgers OT) as an eventual replacement for Havenstein. Huge kid (6'8", 350 lbs.), only a redshirt-sophomore, so I'm a bit surprised he decided to take the jump to the NFL, but big with long arms and surprising athleticism for his size.

I'd take him with our fourth, but I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if he increased his stock.

 

[jrry32]

View: https://x.com/NFL_DF/status/1879955035750301724

I watched some of Colston Loveland's film, and I completely understand why he's getting first round hype. Wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers take him in Round 1. He moves and runs routes like a WR. Very agile and fluid athlete. Has speed for his size. Isn't one of those TEs who runs over guys left and right (like Gronk). He's more like Dennis Pitta (when he was healthy), if you remember him. Just a pain to try and cover.

View: https://x.com/NFL_DF/status/1878467183858106667

Bech is one of the guys on my list. He's a Sean McVay WR.

Defensive standouts -- not mentioned above -- include edge rushers Bradyn Swinson (LSU) and Fadil Diggs (Syracuse), Ole Miss LB Chris Paul and Arizona State S Shamari Simmons.

Swinson is a guy who impressed me while casually watching LSU this year. Very disruptive pass rusher. This is a deep and talented EDGE draft. If he or Kyle Kennard drops, they're great value late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. Not so sure about Swinson's run defense, but the man can get after the QB.

 

[8to12]

I like Cam Ward, but he's long gone when we pick. There are a handful of guys including Rourke who intrigue me in the mid rounds. While this class sucks at the top, it does have a surprising amount of interesting prospects. I could see a team pulling a starting QB out of Day 2 or early Day 3 in this draft.

I would be curious what your take on Kyle McCord is after you watch some film..... I think McCord or Rourke could run the offense proficiently

 

[methomas50]

I would be curious what your take on Kyle McCord is after you watch some film..... I think McCord or Rourke could run the offense proficiently

If the Rams could get McCord third round or later I would like to see what McVay could do with him. Has an NFL arm and was highly productive at Syracuse.

 

[methomas50]

View: https://x.com/PopesFFH/status/1880711845436334341?s=19

 

[methomas50]

View: https://x.com/dpbrugler/status/1880724346827878793?t=VnydrdGwjRD8Hh1LmgV-8A&s=19

 

[Memphis Ram]

View: https://x.com/dpbrugler/status/1880724346827878793?t=VnydrdGwjRD8Hh1LmgV-8A&s=19

I think Travion at least had double the college sack production in college.

I'd be interested in the Rams obtaining another pass rusher to feed a strength. Especially, since it wouldn't surprise me if they lose Hoecht in free agency to Raheem. Keep 'em coming in waves.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Looks like minus a trade up the highest the Rams will select is #26. Probably time to consider some other players.

Tankathon | 2025 NFL Draft Order

2025 NFL Draft order tracker updated after every game. View traded picks in all seven rounds and a live updating Mock Draft after each game.

www.tankathon.com

Yep. It's the 26th selection in round one unless Snead trades the pick.

 

[jrry32]

@Memphis Ram
Something I've been kicking around. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are both heading into their final years. Likely has emerged as a very promising TE this year. I imagine the Ravens will choose to re-sign him. I'm very intrigued by the idea of trading for Mark Andrews. A 3rd might get it done. Running 12 personnel with him and Higbee could be potent next year. (Assuming Higbee stays healthy.) If we're looking to go push our chips in for next year, it's a move that makes sense.

 

[Memphis Ram]

@Memphis Ram
Something I've been kicking around. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are both heading into their final years. Likely has emerged as a very promising TE this year. I imagine the Ravens will choose to re-sign him. I'm very intrigued by the idea of trading for Mark Andrews. A 3rd might get it done. Running 12 personnel with him and Higbee could be potent next year. (Assuming Higbee stays healthy.) If we're looking to go push our chips in for next year, it's a move that makes sense.

Interesting. Just not so sure the team would want so much money going to the TE room. Especially if Parkinson's deal stays on the books. I'd really prefer a rookie. I like the youth movement on defense. Rams need one on offense, too, IMO.

To be honest, I'd love it if the Rams cleaned house in the TE room and went 12 personnel with a combination of someone like Bowling Green's Harold Fannin and Georgia Tech's Jackson Hawes. A qualify receiving threat and a stud blocker who can leak out a make catches at times.

 

[jrry32]

Interesting. Just not so sure the team would want so much money going to the TE room. Especially if Parkinson's deal stays on the books. I'd really prefer a rookie. I like the youth movement on defense. Rams need one on offense, too, IMO.

I'd be surprised if we keep Parkinson. His snap share fell off a cliff as the year went. He did catch that TD today, but it felt like he fell out of favor with McVay. Maybe due to blocking? Seemed like we leaned more on Hunter Long and Davis Allen as blockers.

 

[Memento]

Give me Quinshon Judkins over K-Will any day. I'm done. I love him as a person and St. Louisan, but I'm done with him as a Ram.

 

[12intheBox]

I’m not ready to dump K Will myself - but I’m also not ready to pay him market value either.

CB, MLB, OT, QB, and WR feel like the biggest needs to me - but I could get on board with additional D Line or tight end help.

I hope that whenever Matt passes the torch on to the next rams QB - that it is someone who can run. I’d love to see what McV can do with added threat in his offense