East-West Shrine Game: 10 Underrated Players Who Could Become NFL Stars

The college all-stars are heading to Florida to make one last push to boost their NFL stocks. The game kicks off at 4 pm (ET) on Saturday, January 22nd.

The Shrine game is not typically a showcase for the top pro prospects in the nation. With little left to prove, those guys opt to count their almost no longer invisible money and wait 'til the combine to show off their talents. This year's version is no different.

This game is filled with projected mid-round, late-round and not-quite picks—all hoping to boost their draft stock with an impressive performance against NFL level talent.

Scouting is far from an exact science and every year there are countless examples of players who were drafted late, and sometimes not at all, who become great or very good NFL players. I am going to give you 10 guys that fit that mold.

No. 10: Evan Royster (Penn State)

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Running back Evan Royster #22 of the Penn State Nittany Lions pushed off linebacker Jelani Jenkins #43 of the Florida Gators January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messer

Royster's stock took a big hit during the 2010 season. Opposing defenses keyed on him and he was unable to break enough tackles to show he deserved to be drafted in the upper rounds. His total yards and yards per carry both fell in his senior season.

He has decent size and speed, but he runs too high and lacks elite instincts. If Royster can learn to run behind his pads, he could excel in a one-cut-and-go running system.

No. 9: Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida

At 6-7 and 315 pounds, Reid has the size to be a great tackle in the NFL. The Shrine Game will be a big test for him as scouts get to watch his feet and hands against top caliber pass rushers.

If Reid can improve his footwork and add some strength, he could become a solid starting tackle in the NFL.

No. 8: Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Pat Devlin #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hands off the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 25, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Devlin has a few question marks that will likely leave him waiting until the late rounds for his name to be called. Scouts question his arm strength, throwing motion and decision making.

He does have good mobility, size and accuracy. If Devlin can learn to go through his reads and shorten up his throwing motion, he could go on to excel in a west coast style offense.

No. 7: Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State

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OMAHA, NE - MARCH 20: Julius Thomas #1 of the Portland State Vikings goes up for a rebound against the Kansas Jayhawks during the Midwest Region first round of the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 20, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebr

Yep, that's a basketball picture. Thomas has made the now familiar switch from basketball player to tight end.

He only has one year of football and obviously he is a little raw, but he has the athleticism. Thomas is 6-5 and 240 pounds. He also reportedly runs a 4.7 40. If Thomas can learn the fundamentals, he could go on to be a dominant TE. 

No. 6: Vai Taua, RB, Nevada

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 09: Vai Taua #34 of the Nevada Wolf Pack runs with the ball against Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on January 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

At 5-10 and 220 pounds, Taua is a bowling ball. He runs low and runs hard. He lacks the speed and make-you-miss-moves that scouts look for though, and as a result, he will probably go undrafted.

Taua is a straight ahead runner and he rarely loses yardage. He could go on to become a solid change of pace guy in the NFL.

No. 5: Andrew Jackson, G, Fresno State

Jackson is projected as a seventh rounder or an undrafted player. At 6-5, 290 pounds, he is a little light for an NFL guard.

He has decent footwork and mobility. If he can fill out his frame, he could turn into a mauling NFL lineman.

No. 4: Mathew O’Donnell, OT, Queens, Ontario

Size is not O'Donnell's problem. He is 6-10 and 340 pounds. However, his footwork and agility have come into question and if he is going to make it in the NFL it will likely be at guard.

If O'Donnell can find himself a great line coach and get some decent footwork, this guy could be a beast.

No. 3: Jeff Maehl, WR, Oregon

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks catches a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter against Zac Etheridge #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoe

The National Championship Game was Jeff Maehl's coming out party. He has spent his career in a non-wide receiver friendly offensive system, but he has the tools to be an NFL player.

Maehl is a solid route runner with good hands and great instincts. If he can develop a feel for the slot, he could go on to have a Wes Welker type of career.

No. 2: Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/G

Taylor is a freakish athlete. He has a great arm, speed and moves. He lacks typical NFL QB size and he has played in a one read spread option offense.

If Taylor can learn to read defenses, he could turn himself into a legitimate NFL starter. If he can do that and fine tune his accuracy, he will be a pro bowler. As it is now, he looks like a solid back up.

No. 1: Cecil Shorts III, WR, Mount Union

Shorts has great size and hands. He is 6-6 and 210 pounds. He has shown the ability to go up and get passes. He is reported to run a 4.5 40, which isn't going to blow anyone away, but his size makes up for his lack of speed.

If Shorts can go on to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL game, he could become a legitimate number one receiver.