Giants could fast-track rebuild with these 6 Shrine Bowl prospects

The East-West Shrine Bowl isn’t just an all-star showcase; it’s a scouting goldmine for teams like the New York Giants, who desperately need to rebound from their 3-14 disaster.

This year, the event has a little extra flavor for Big Blue fans. Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is serving as the head coach for the West team, with inside linebackers coach John Egorugwu taking on defensive coordinator duties. That means the Giants’ brass will have a firsthand look at some intriguing prospects.

For a franchise looking to fill major holes at quarterback, cornerback, and safety—not to mention shoring up essentially the entire offensive line—this week’s practices and Thursday’s game are critical. It’s also a chance to find mid-to-late-round steals, something the Giants need to hit on with their seven total draft picks in the upcoming draft.

Armed with the No. 3 overall pick, the Giants will likely address QB early. But the Shrine Bowl is all about uncovering value deeper in the draft. This year’s roster is stacked with players who could help the Giants rebuild. Here are seven prospects New York should be keeping a close eye on.

Intriguing Shrine Bowl prospects Giants should watch for the 2025 draft

Boston College: Drew Kendall, center

Kendall comes from strong NFL bloodlines—his father, Pete Kendall, was a long-time offensive lineman—and he’s built like a player ready to make the leap to the pros. At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Kendall might not overwhelm with size, but his technique is impeccable. The Giants could use someone to replace John Michael Schmitz at center, and Kendall’s high football IQ and toughness fit the bill.

South Carolina: Raheim Sanders, running back

Tyrone Tracy Jr. flashed promise this year, but adding a physical complement like Sanders would give the Giants a dynamic one-two punch. Sanders is 230 pounds of power and speed, a back who thrives in contact situations and can grind out tough yards. He also offers pass protection upside, which is pretty cool.

Middlebury: Thomas Perry, center/guard

A D3 standout, Perry has made waves by holding his own against top-tier competition. His transition to center has been seamless, but his versatility to also play guard is what makes him a potential steal. For a team that needs depth—and possibly starting talent—on the interior offensive line, Perry checks a lot of boxes. Schoen loves him some versatility, too.

Syracuse: Fadil Diggs, defensive end

While the Giants don’t necessarily need another pass rusher with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns on board, depth is always welcome (especially since Azeez Ojulari is a free agent), and Diggs has the frame (6-foot-5, 261 pounds) to thrive at the next level. He’s shown flashes in pass-rushing drills, and his size makes him a very intriguing prospect. Don't just take our word for it. Apparently, he's been having quite the Shrine Bowl week.

Villanova: Isas Waxter, cornerback

Waxter is a big-bodied corner (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) who plays a physical style that fits perfectly in a press-man scheme. What’s even more impressive is how smooth he is in his transitions, a skill that’s often rare for larger corners. The Giants could use a developmental player like Waxter in the secondary, especially given their struggles to cover physical receivers on the boundary. With a build and skill set reminiscent of Pittsburgh Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr., this Villanova Wildcat (V's up!) has the potential to be one of the draft’s biggest hidden gems if he can translate that to the NFL.

Texas State: Nash Jones, guard

Jones is a mauler in the run game, with the kind of mean streak that coaches love on the interior. At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, he moves well for his size and has the versatility to play either guard spot. For a Giants team that needs immediate improvement in the trenches, Jones could be a strong mid-round pick with starter potential.

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