East-West Shrine Game 2015: Most Intriguing Draft Prospects in College Showcase
There might not be first-round talent across the board, but there will be no shortage of interesting NFL draft prospects taking the field for Saturday's East-West Shrine Game.
With Mike Singletary coaching the East and Jim Zorn leading the West, some of college football's best players will have a chance to play on another big stage and boost their draft stocks. While there aren't many players on the rosters who will be coming off the board in Round 1, NFL scouts have plenty to take in.
Let's take a look at the players to keep a close eye on when kickoff comes on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
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Devin Gardner, ATH, Michigan
The inevitable position switch has come for Devin Gardner, and now comes the impossibly tough task of convincing NFL teams he's ready to play at the highest level.
Mike Huguenin of NFL.com reported that Gardner has made his switch from college quarterback to NFL hopeful wide receiver official and that he's been working vigorously on the position since Michigan's season came to an end on Nov. 29.
We can expect growing pains as Gardner gets accustomed to a new position against players who are gearing up for the NFL. Draft Insider's Tony Pauline noticed Gardner's struggles in this week's practice:
Huguenin also foresees a tough transition, but he sees plenty of potential in the former QB: "Ultimately, Gardner is a high-level athlete trying to learn a new position on the fly. His size, body type, elusiveness and speed (he likely will clock in the mid-4.5 range in the 40 when he is tested) make him an interesting developmental prospect on the third day of the draft."
NFL types will be intrigued with Gardner because of what former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has become as a running back. Gardner possesses a similar athletic skill set that will allow him to make an impact in the league, but thriving in a new position isn't easy, and Gardner is finding that out firsthand.
Deiontrez Mount, LB, Louisville
Deiontrez Mount may not be a high-level NFL draft prospect at the moment, but he left Louisville a year early for a reason.
At 6'5" and 245 pounds, Mount is an absolute mammoth of an outside linebacker, but he is able to play the position well. He maintains great awareness while playing with impeccable strength and uses a tough-minded approach to stay in front of the ball.
But players who are seemingly tweeners, as Mount is, can have a tough time finding their way early on.
Bleacher Report's Michael Schottey was on hand for practice and had some critiques:
Schottey's criticism was quickly followed by a striking compliment, though:
Such analysis perfectly sums up the indecisiveness surrounding Mount as he begins the treacherous process of entering the NFL draft.
Mount doesn't quite have the burst to be able to play with his hand in the ground, but he could also struggle in space if he wants to become a NFL linebacker. There's only so much a player can do to improve his athleticism, but Mount will have to make strides in order to carve out a place in the NFL.
Terrence Magee, RB, LSU
It's a forgivable offense for even the biggest of college football fans to not know who Terrence Magee is.
After all, LSU's backfield has been loaded with stud playmakers over the last two seasons. Alfred Blue and Jeremy Hill both left the Tigers last offseason and quickly emerged on NFL rosters, while soon-to-be sophomore Leonard Fournette has taken over the position over Magee and fellow East-West invitee Kenny Hilliard.
But Magee and Hilliard are having no problem standing out this week, per Cecil Lammey of ESPNDenver.com:
Hilliard has the size and strength to move the pile in the NFL, but Magee's skill set makes for an even more intriguing pick.
Magee stays low to the ground at 5'9", allowing him to sneak through tight spaces most backs in this year's class cannot. But he can also lay the lumber, sporting a 215-pound frame that can lower the shoulder into contact and push for extra yardage.
Few had heard of Magee prior to this season, when he amassed over 500 yards in the LSU backfield. But now that he's standing out in front of NFL scouts, he should have no problem finding a home in the league.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
