East-West Shrine Game 2012: Top Playmakers Your Favorite Team Will Be Watching
The East-West Shrine Game is not just the younger brother to the Senior Bowl. Although the level of talent isn't as high, there are still players down in Florida this week who'll make NFL teams very, very happy on draft day, next season and in the future.
The 2012 NFL Draft is a little over 90 days away, but draft fever has already caught hold of fans for 28 of the league's 32 teams.
Come Saturday, when the East and West teams meet at Tropicana Field, these are the playmakers you should be looking out for ... your teams will be.
Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
Nobody knew much about Norman going into this week at all, but he's already on the lips of everyone down at the event.
He checked in with good size for the position at 6'0", 203 pounds and has been one of the most impressive players of the week.
Norman's physical skills and athleticism leave nothing to be desired, but he's a raw prospect who'll need some coaching to bring out the best in him.
That said, coaches are proud and stubborn, and if he shows enough on Saturday, he'll continue to rise up the board.
B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State
The Spartan senior is arguably the most well-known of the prospects at Shrine Game this week. He starred in East Lansing for four years and turned in by far his best season in 2011.
During practices this week, he's been one of the most talked about players as well. He's done a good job of getting open all week long, can run routes at the NFL level and has the necessary size (6'1", 209 pounds) to be successful as well.
The only thing Cunningham lacks is top-end speed, but if he can consistently prove to teams that he can get separation, he'll find a home earlier than where he was projected prior to the game.
Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee
The senior Volunteer wasn't nearly as productive this season as he was last season, but he's flashed some talent this week.
At 5'10", 206 pounds, he has the size to contribute in the NFL and take some hits. He scored only five touchdowns this season and saw his yards per carry average drop from 5.1 to 3.7, but this week, he's been the most natural of the backs on the field.
He possesses good vision and feel for holes and has the lateral quickness to make something happen when he sees it.
He's a solid mid-round prospect who can catch the ball out of the backfield as well.
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