East-West Shrine Game: 10 Players With Most To Gain This Week
The East-West Shrine Game is headed our way, and for collegiate players trying to increase their draft stock, it's critical to have a strong showing against some of the top players in college football.
This has annually been a chance for the lower division players to shine and for the more well-known players to show they're the real deal.
In the following slides, I'll give you 10 players who most need to make an impact in the game to increase their chances in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Thanks for reading.
10. Jeff Maehl, WR, Oregon
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After displaying explosiveness against Auburn in the BCS Championship Game, Oregon Ducks' receiver Jeff Maehl is certainly being spoken of highly, so the East-West Shrine Game isn't going to determine whether he makes the NFL Draft or not.
But a big game here can certainly help his cause in moving up the board.
The senior receiver had 77 receptions this season for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Despite being overshadowed by Heisman-contending running back LaMichael James, Maehl was a significant part of the Ducks offense in 2010.
9. Korey Lindsey, CB, Southern Illinois
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A four-year starter, SIU's Korey Lindsey has excelled during his tenure for the Salukis, with 12 interceptions all told.
But he had only one interception this season, and he needs to perform well in the East-West Shrine Game to show he can play with the big boys.
8. Dontay Moch, LB/DE, Nevada
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Nevada's Dontay Moch has a lot on his plate leading up to the East-West Shrine Game.
On his to do list:
a) Show improved coverage skills to show he can be a 4-3 linebacker
b) Blitz well in case a blitz-happy defensive team wants him
c) Play bigger than his size to fit well into a 3-4 scheme
See? That's all he has to do. No problem.
With 30 career sacks, at least blitzing won't be a problem.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida
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UCF offensive tackle Jah Reid certainly has the size to start in the NFL, at 6'7", 325 pounds.
A victory over Georgia certainly helps his cause.
But starting three years at right tackle won't help his cause, and he's going to have to impress further in the big game before making his way up the draft board.
6. Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU
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LSU wideout Terrence Toliver can no doubt play, evidenced by his game against Florida midway through the season and his spectacular 112-yard, three-touchdown performance against Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.
But he didn't do much besides those two games this year, not going over 52 yards in any of his other 11 games played.
He showed he can play against top teams, but he needs to show more in the East-West Shrine Game to convince teams he's worth a gamble earlier on.
5. Brian Rolle, LB, Ohio State
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The cousin of New York Giants' safety Antrel Rolle, Brian Rolle has been a sturdy tackling machine for the Buckeyes the last two seasons.
At 5'11," Rolle is a bit small for an NFL linebacker, so the best thing he can do going into the big game is to show off his speed, which might entice teams to take a shot at him sooner and convert him into a strong safety.
However, there have been small linebackers that have succeeded in the NFL, so a team might have its eye on him anyway.
4. Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati
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There's plenty to like about Cincinnati receiver Armon Binns, with over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns this year.
But he also played for a four-win team and needs to work on finer aspects of the game such as blocking.
If he can show he's willing to stick himself out there blocking on the edge and showing grit, NFL teams could take notice of that.
3. Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
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Despite playing for an FCS school, Delaware QB Pat Devlin has a lot of markings as a legit second-rounder.
His mechanics are solid, he's got height and he's got a good head on his shoulders.
But he hasn't played against much top competition being at an FCS school.
He needs to prove he belongs at a top-tier level, regardless of who he played this season.
2. Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech
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Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor has shown glimpses of being comparable to a Michael Vick in his playing style.
He might even write a thank you letter to Vick for erasing the perception running quarterbacks that come out of the draft flop.
He will no doubt be selected somewhere in the NFL Draft, but he still needs to excel in the East-West Shrine Game to prove he's a top-tier quarterback.
Against Stanford in the Orange Bowl, he didn't have great numbers, and the Hokies got blown out, 40-14.
1. Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
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As big a player as Marvin Austin was last year with the Tar Heels, missing the entire 2010 season after being suspended for involvement with an agent last season certainly hurt him.
The explosive defensive tackle with four sacks last year needs this game more than anyone to show he belongs among the big boys in the NFL Draft.
Of course, it's going to be interesting to see what shape he's in after being out a full year.
Honorable Mention: Cecil Shorts III, WR, Mt. Union
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Cecil Shorts had 22 touchdowns in his collegiate career, but he finds himself on the fringe of the 2011 NFL Draft because he played in Division III.
He could make it into the draft with a huge performance against much better competition and by displaying electric returning skills.
Good luck, Cecil.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
