2015 NFL Draft: Prospects Who Shined In East-West Shrine Game
The East-West Shrine game is a college all-star game that gives NFL draft hopefuls a chance to show what their game is all about. There are few first round talents in the Shrine game, most of the players will be selected from the 2nd t0 5th round of the draft. The Giants are in draft mode, and so are we.
Here are the players that stood out:
1.) John Miller, OG (Louisville)
Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals offensive lineman
John Miller(70) blocks during a running play in the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Miller is a quick footed offensive guard, with ideal size. He is 6′ 2″ and 312 lbs. Miller was pretty dominant in the Shrine Game. Mike Mayock and Jamal Charles on the NFL Network broadcast said that he could be a 3rd round pick and a starting guard in the NFL.
With a good combine he may work himself into the second round by my estimation. He is an excellent run blocker who can really plow defensive linemen.
2.) Josh Shaw, CB (USC)
Shaw had an interception in the back of the end zone against a taller receiver in Devin Gardner. Shaw looked good the whole game. I was really impressed with his effort. Shaw has some things to work on but is a very feisty cornerback.
3.) Deon Long, WR (Maryland)
The in game statistics for Long were not impressive, but to be fair the quarterback play was awful. I am a Baltimore boy and since he played in my neck of the woods, I was able to see much of Long with the Maryland Terrapins. Long runs good routes, with no wasted movement. He has good hands and will go up and get the football. Long will be a quality receiver in the NFL.
4.) Anthony Chickillo, DE (Miami)
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Chickillo, besides being my new favorite name in sports is a very good football player. He has a long armed 6’4″ 275 pound body. He is quick off the edge, and he has exceptional strength. Chickillo was an unstoppable force in the Shrine game. In his 4 years at Miami, he has 25 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks.
5.) Za’Darius Smith, DE (Kentucky)
In the NFL there is a high demand for long armed, freakishly athletic pass rushers. Smith is a pass rusher, plain and simple. His highlights from the game were plentiful which is why he was the defensive player of the game. His pass rush on one play led to an interception. To be honest Smith was not on my radar before this game, now he certainly is. Smith is probably a 3rd round draft pick.
6.) Xaiver Williams, DT (Northern Iowa)
Williams looks like he could be a disruptive defensive tackle in the NFL. He is a very productive player albeit on the small stage of Northern Iowa. In the 2013 season he had 74 tackles, 12 for a loss and 5 sacks.
7.) Justin Coleman, CB (Tennessee)
Coleman is an aggressive cornerback whose timing in coverage is often perfect. He can jump routes and is hard to get by in man coverage. He projects to be a nickelback. He would be a quality 4th round draft pick who could prove to be a diamond in the rough.
8.) Derrick Lott, DT (University of Tennessee at Chatanooga):
Lott may not have played against the strongest competition, but he certainly looks up for the challenge of the NFL. Lott is 6’4″ and 300 pounds of pure effort. He plays with a high motor and is explosive off the ball.
Oct 25, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Quayshawn Nealy (54) breaks off of the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Georgia Tech won 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
9.) Quayshawn Nealy, LB (GT)
Nealy is a great athlete. I did a draft profile on him recently, he is an impressive linebacker. What pops out at you is his quickness, he plays fast and intensely.
10.) Taiwan Jones, LB (MSU)
Jones is a hard hitting linebacker who looks the part at 6′ 3″ 245 lbs. He was a force at Michigan State and played well in the Shrine Game. Jones is a textbook tackler who knows how to get to the football.