East-West Shrine Game 2017 top NFL Draft prospects to watch

We’re in the midst of all-star game season for players gearing up for the 2017 NFL draft, and several players have been practicing for Saturday’s East-West Shrine Game.

Last year’s Shrine Game had four players who became top 100 picks in the draft: Patriots guard Joe Thuney (78th overall); Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (89th); Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (95th); and Broncos safety Justin Simmons (98th).

Arguably the top player in the game is Arkansas pass rusher Deatrich Wise. At just under 6’5 and 275 pounds, Wise can be an imposing figure. He was third on his team this season with 49 tackles to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

As RealGM’s Jeff Risdon points out, Wise was the most advanced pass rusher of any player on the West roster this week. Wise’s first step helped him stand out, and he should be an attractive option for teams that run a lot of traditional four-man fronts on defense.

The quarterbacks at the Shrine Game are often a hodgepodge group, and that’s the same this year. The biggest name at the position is Cincinnati’s Gunner Kiel. His game in college never matched what you’d expect from his big arm and 6’5 frame. During practices this week, it was much of the same. At times he would look good, and at other times he was launching balls into the sidelines.

NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein tabbed Penn quarterback Alex Torgersen as “clearly the most talented” signal caller at the Shrine Game. Zierlein noted Torgersen for his athleticism, size, and arm strength. Fellow NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock tapped Western Michigan’s Zach Terrell, thanks to his ability to throw with anticipation.

None of the other quarterbacks at the Shrine Game received much attention from those in attendance. Pittsburgh’s Nathan Peterman was going to play at the Shrine Game, but he got bumped up to next week’s Senior Bowl.

One of the things that happens at any all-star game is that a player who was overshadowed in college can stand out. One of those players this year can be Clemson safety Jadar Johnson. At 6’0 and 210 pounds, Johnson has the look of an NFL safety, but he was a backup until his senior year.

According to several reports, Johnson has been one of the top players in practices. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah noted that Johnson broke up several passes during the week. That should be nothing new for Johnson considering he had 60 tackles and five interceptions as a senior, but he has scouts buzzing after his performance.

One safety at the Shrine Game who can point to better 2016 stats than Johnson is Colorado’s Tedric Thompson. He hasn’t made many headlines at Shrine practices, but his seven interceptions this season are hard to overlook, particularly considering he played on a secondary that has two cornerbacks who will likely get drafted this year.

Another Shrine player who can point to impressive college stats is Mississippi State linebacker Richie Brown. Over the last two seasons, Brown has had 211 tackles and he impressed Mayock during practices. Mayock said Brown looked good all week and that he’s helped himself.

One player who caught the eye of both Jeremiah and Mayock at Shrine practices was Drake tight end Eric Saubert. He earned not only a Shrine invite, but an NFL Scouting Combine invite after a season of 56 receptions for 776 yards and 10 touchdowns. His athleticism is helping him shine in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Perhaps the top wide receiver during the week was Washington State’s Gabe Marks. His NFL future is playing in the slot, and he was lauded for his soft hands and good route running.

Other notable Shrine Game players to watch:

Having an absolute skill — a trait that is wholly unquestionable — is an asset for an NFL prospect at a skill position, and Kermit Whitfield has one. For him, it’s speed. Whitfield averaged 22.9 yards per kick return this season and was second in receiving with 34 catches for 395 yards and a touchdown. Whitfield, who is just 5’8 and 185 pounds, will have to show he can handle punt duty, but his speed should land him on an NFL roster where he can become a Taylor Gabriel type of player.

In the game on Saturday, which takes place at 3 p.m. on NFL Network, Arkansas offensive tackle Dan Skipper will stand out at 6’9 and 312 pounds. Skipper started for much of his four-year career with the Razorbacks, and some team will want to coach him up thanks to his natural size.

Michigan running back De’Veon Smith looks the part at 5’11 and 224 pounds. He’s a physical runner with nice short area burst and patience. He’s not going to break many deep runs, but he could be an effective NFL player. Utah running back Joe Williams can bring that speed, but NFL teams may be concerned after he quit his team during one point last season.

Don’t expect much speed from Toledo tight end Michael Roberts, but he could land on an NFL roster. He’s a throwback tight end at 6’4 and 259 pounds, to go along with massive hands that measured at 11 and 5/8 inches. He’s a good blocker with solid hands. Just don’t expect him to run away from many defenders.

Pittsburgh’s Ejuan Price (and his cutoff shorts) could have had a stand out week of practices, but he was injured. That leaves Florida’s Bryan Cox as the pass rusher after Wise who is worth watching. His play in 2016 wasn’t as good as some expected, but he’s a draftable talent. Much of the same can be said of Joey Ivie, his teammate and defensive tackle.