All-East West Shrine Bowl Team & Final Impressions
All Access Football examines the stardust residue from the 100th Annual East-West Shrine Bowl.
Welcome to the February 6, 2025 edition of the All Access Football Newsletter, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide Football Career Conference.
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EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Now that the dust has settled and we have had a full week to digest the 100th Annual East-West Shrine Bowl, it’s time to assess the overall impact of the performances.
With what is considered a ‘weak’ quarterback crop, many NFL scouts hit the all-star game scouting trails in hopes of finding that under the radar signal-caller who could be a mid-to-late round steal. One of those quarterbacks might just be Kyle McCord of Syracuse. There was much hype about the well-traveled gunslinger who began his collegiate career at Ohio State. Some of the in-depth analytics provided by the game, included a 55.7mph maximum ball velocity.
For all the positive surrounding McCord, there will be plenty of criticism that accompanies his draft stock such as the five interception performance against Pittsburgh. It’s possible that he hears his name called on Day 2 but early Day 3 would seem to be the more realistic prognostication.
Another quarterback who drew rave reviews is Max Brosmer of Minnesota. We have discussed the fact that he may have the quickest ball release of any signal-caller in the draft and the Shrine Bowl analytics department backed that up with a 0.40 average release. Brosmer makes quick, smart decisions and gets rid of the ball faster than any quarterback we witnessed along the all-star trails. Those traits should translate well to the next level.
A couple of skill position players who aren’t necessarily considered at the top of their class but certainly possess starter level traits would be Ja’Corey Brooks of Louisville and Isaiah Neyor of Nebraska. During our training camp visit to Louisville, Brooks stood out as a lengthy, athletic, smooth mover with excellent size. The Cardinals coaching staff was quick to squash any diva rumors during his time at Alabama and Brooks could be a true diamond in the rough.
Meanwhile, Neyor has reignited his draft stock after an arduous journey. The big, explosive wideout averaged 20 yards per catch and registered 12 touchdowns in 2021 at Wyoming. He would then transfer to Texas, where he appeared in just one game in two seasons due to a torn ACL. Neyor had a productive 2024 campaign, hauling in 34 balls for 455 yards and five scores from freshman sensation Dylan Raiola. Now, he appears to be one of the real mid-round values that can be had come April.
There is not enough praise that can be heaped on Oregon State offensive lineman Joshua Gray. He has demonstrated the ability to play all five offensive line positions and projects as a next level starter at any of the three interior spots. Boston College center Drew Kendall may have staked claim as the best center in the draft after a stellar week in Dallas. He flashed the versatility to line up at guard and demonstrates tremendous technique, along with the ability to get down the line in a jiffy on pull blocks.
The only player on defense who could match wits and power in the trenches would be Maryland defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. At the end of each practice, NFL scouts would check notes and see practice jersey #8, win, win, win. All Phillips did was win the one-on-one battles all week long. Expect him to continue to check off all the boxes each step of the way throughout the draft process, as he’s now firmly entrenched as a Day 2 prospect
No one created a bigger buzz for themselves in Dallas than Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr., who showcased a solid overall skill-set with his lateral quickness, ability to stuff the run, or cover backs and tight ends. He led the Rebels with 88 tackles this past season and now looks to carry that momentum over to the NFL Combine. Paul Jr. also brings vast special teams experience with starter upside. Expect him to be selected during the early-to-mid round range.
On the backend, it was like poetry in motion watching California cornerback Nohl Williams operate. A fluid mover who is able to flip the hips and possesses elite instincts, it was evident why he led the FBS with seven interceptions this past season. One of the interesting side bar developments during the all-star game selection process was seeing several players such as Williams accept an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl but opt to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl, a new trend we’ll be sure to monitor as the competition between the two events heats up!
NFL DRAFT CAST WITH ERIC EDHOLM & CRISSY FROYD
All Access Football host Ric Serritella brings you inside tales from the all-star game scouting trails with a recap of the East-West Shrine and Reese's Senior Bowl games. Plus NFL.com Eric Edholm joins the show to discuss his latest mock draft and observations from Mobile with QB insider Crissy Froyd. Tune-in for hard-hitting analysis and insight into the draft process.
Starting next Wednesday at 3:30pm eastern, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger will be joining the show as full-time co-host! All Access. All Football. All The Time.
ON LOCATION: EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL REPORTS
ALL EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL TEAM
The following players have been selected as the premier performers at their position during our practice week and game observations at the 100th Annual East-West Shrine Bowl. Be sure to make note of these prospects, as their draft stock is on the rise!
OFFENSE
POSITION | PLAYER | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | HAND | ARM | WING
QB — Max Brosmer, Minnesota, 6013, 216, 4.80, 0928, 3168, 7538
RB — Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona, 5104, 206, 4.44e, 0878, 3158, 7638
WR — Ja’Corey Brooks, Louisville, 6014, 191, 4.46e, 0938, 3158, 7600
WR — Antwane Wells, Mississippi, 6002, 203, 4.50e, 0838, 3200, 7618
WR — KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn, 6003, 193, 4.30e, 0878, 3318, 7758
TE — Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse, 6042, 247, 4.55e, 0978, 3358, 8168
OL — Xavier Truss, Georgia, 6066, 310, 5.28e, 1048, 3338, 8278
OL — Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Florida, 6065, 313, 5.30e, 1038, 3448, 8300
OL — Joshua Gray, Oregon State, 6033, 300, 5.00e, 0938, 3200, 7800
OL — Trey Wedig, Indiana, 6065, 310, 0968, 5.10e, 3268, 8168
OL — Drew Kendall, Boston College, 6035 304, 4.95e, 928, 3238, 7738
DEFENSE
POSITION | PLAYER | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | HAND | ARM | WING
DL — Jordan Phillips, Maryland, 6012, 318, 5.00e, 0938, 3228, 8018
DL — Sean Martin, West Virginia, 6052, 289, 4.65e1048, 3518, 8400
DL — Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., Virginia Tech, 6022, 253, 4.80e, 0928, 3118, 7538
DL — Tyler Baron, Miami, 6044, 262, 4.70e, 1000, 3278, 8018
LB — Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi, 6007, 224, 4.75e, 0928, 3018, 7538
LB — Teddye Buchanan, California, 6017, 236, 4.66e, 0948, 3138, 7438
LB — Francisco Mauigoa, Miami, 6014, 231, 4.72e, 1000, 3238, 7658
DB — Shavon Revel Jr., ECU, 6015, 188, 4.40e, 0958, 3258, 7928
DB — Nohl Williams, California, 6002, 200, 4.57
DB — O’Donnell Fortune, South Carolina, 6005, 188, 4.45e, 0900, 3178, 7658
DB — Cobee Bryant, Kansas, 5110, 171, 4.50e, 0878, 3178, 7600