Gene Clemons  breaks down both the practice and game performances of NFL Draft prospects at the 2025 Shrine Bowl.

There seemed to be an even brighter light on the 2025 Shrine Bowl this year than in the past thanks in part to the presence of Shedeur Sanders. His decision to attend the Shrine Bowl instead of the Senior Bowl also meant that the entire Colorado contingent decided to attend the Shrine. The results were more eyeballs on all of the prospects who were in Dallas for the event. The first of the three major live evaluation opportunities was a huge success this season and illuminated some prospects who may not have been on fans' radars before the event. 

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The Main Attraction 

Although nobody expected to see him play in the game, everyone was hoping to see Sanders participate in practices. It was a great set up. He had three of his receivers there to feel a level of comfort throwing the ball around so it was surprising to see him not participating. The interesting part is that even though he did not practice, he still drew tons of eyeballs and met with many of the teams there. He also held court with the media and took on all questions, including those about his father being involved in his NFL Draft process and why he feels he should be the first quarterback taken. His appearance each day at the Shrine Bowl left everyone who encountered him, including the NFL team representatives, impressed with him. It was a “Legendary” performance by a quarterback who never threw a pass during the activities. 

Tight End Standouts

Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden Jr. and Texas Tech tight end Jalin Conyers really stood out for their abilities as pass receivers all week. Many NFL offenses have made the tight end position a focal point of the game plan because they are matchup nightmares. All week Gadsden and Conyers were the epitome of a matchup nightmare against defenders. They used their bodies to shield defenders and their long arms to haul in passes consistently. Both showed that they are dynamic enough to be a factor as pass-receiving ends. 

Perimeter Threats

There were many good performances from receivers and defensive backs during Shrine Bowl practices, but two really stood out from the rest. Defensively Cobee Bryant looked like one of the best cornerbacks in the country in every practice. He was a disruptive force against the receivers. His physicality was unmatched in one-on-ones and in team activities. That allowed him to get his hands on a lot of footballs as he broke up passes and was even able to intercept one. By the time we got to the actual game, his job was done. 

On offense, Colorado receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. looked unguardable. He was explosive off the line of scrimmage and immediately put defensive backs on their heels. He was able to create consistent separation without a lot of unnecessary movement. He was able to really eat on the short and intermediate change-of-direction routes. He also knew when to settle down and when to extend his route longer. He caught everything thrown his way and turned heads while doing it. 

Out Of The Trenches

There were a few defensive linemen who really impressed throughout the practices. Maryland defensive tackle Jordan Phillips was the most dominant defensive linemen at the Shrine Bowl. He not only produced in practices but was also flashing consistently during the game. His blend of size and athleticism will make him a favorite of defensive coordinators everywhere.

There were also two outside rushers who showed up consistently in practices and also produced in the game. SMU Edge Elijah Roberts showed off his quick-twitch ability and continuous motor. He ran around offensive tackles and chased down a lot of ball carriers in addition to making quarterbacks' lives untenable. 

BYU defensive end Tyler Batty was another well-seasoned collegiate edge out there making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. He is a legitimate defensive end. He plays well against the run, but also has the burst and motor to be a legit pass rusher. 

FC-Yes They Can!

There were some FCS players who stood out and made a name for themselves on this national platform. Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III was a late addition to the Shrine Bowl roster after he showed out at the Hula Bowl. He hit the field and immediately started cooking defenders. He was very explosive from the slot and was difficult to stick with for every defensive back. Cal Poly edge Elijah Ponder showed consistent ability to get pressure on the quarterback. Towson tight end Carter Runyon also impressed as an inline blocker and a security blanket for quarterbacks. He is definitely trending upward during this draft process. 

Game Day Standouts

The actual game illuminated several defensive players who showed up and showed out when the lights came on. There were also a couple running backs who had a great showing. So many players opted out of the game so there’s always respect when these players are willing to finish the job. 

Shoutout to the MVPs. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a former Alabama State and Arizona back, was able to consistently get the edge and use his explosiveness to get around the corner and down the field. It allowed him to rack up 97 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries. South Carolina defensive back O’Donnell Fortune returned an interception for a 65-yard touchdown and played overall very well in the secondary. You did not hear about either much during the week, but their performances will make you go back to the film. 

Arizona State’s Shamari Simmons and Colorado safety Shilo Sanders both played well in the defensive backfield. Neither one of them started for the West, but both came in and were immediately active around the football. Both finished with five tackles. All five of Simmons' tackles were solo and four of Sanders' five were solo. He also had a special teams tackle and a pass defensed. Both welcomed the opportunity to come up and hit people, that is where they looked most at home, the second level, but neither ever looked lost out on coverage at the third level. 

It was not all positive. The quarterback play was bad on both sides of the football. Cam Miller had the best day and that is not saying much. He finished 10-for-17 passes for 99 yards and no touchdowns. He also ran in a two-point conversion. The rest of the quarterbacks were underwhelming. The other four quarterbacks Auburn’s Payton Thorn, Minnesota’s Max Brosmer, Missouri’s Brady Cook, and UCLA’s Ethan Garber, who all combined to go 24-for-46, 191 yards and 3 interceptions. It was the receivers who suffered because of it. Nobody was able to make a consistent mark on the perimeter. Chism fared the best posting a 4-reception, 43-yard performance.