Will any of these players be Giants?
As the 100th Annual East-West Shrine Bowl approaches, a new class of NFL prospects is about to take center stage. For New York Giants fans, this game is a great chance to get a first look at some potential future stars, with key players that could impact the team’s future in the 2025 NFL Draft. The game will air on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 30, and practices will take place from Jan. 25-28 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
With the Giants coaching staff watching closely, this year’s roster features a diverse group of prospects, with special attention on positions of need like defensive line, cornerback, and wide receiver, as well as a handful of intriguing quarterbacks. Here’s your breakdown of the East-West Shrine Bowl and the players who could help the Giants fill key roster spots in the coming years.
Top prospects for Giants fans to watch
1. Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
One of the most high-profile players in this year’s Shrine Bowl is Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has impressed with his leadership and performance at the collegiate level. In the 2024 season, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, recording 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 75.5 QBR, ranking 20th in the nation. While the Giants may have to depend on other teams to pass on Sanders to get him it’s obvious the front office has major interest in the Colorado standout who they have been scouting since the 2023 season.
2. Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
One of the most impressive players on the defensive line in the 2025 draft class, Kenneth Grant is a name that should be on the radar for Giants fans. The massive Michigan defensive tackle has the physicality and strength to be an immediate impact player on the interior line. A player like Grant could help solidify the Giants’ defensive front for years to come. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the pocket will be on full display at the Shrine Bowl.
Grant is currently ranked No. 20 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Consensus Big Board.
3. Nazir Stackhouse (DT, Georgia)
The Georgia Bulldogs are known for producing top-tier defensive talent, and Nazir Stackhouse is no exception. The Giants have been searching for a disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line to go alongside Dexter Lawrence, and Stackhouse could be the answer. Known for his motor and size, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Stackhouse could help bolster the defensive line rotation and improve the Giants’ ability to stop the run.
Stackhouse is currently ranked No. 150 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Consensus Big Board.
4. Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
Robert Longerbeam, a standout cornerback from Rutgers, is a player to watch for the Giants as they look to build up their secondary. With the Giants’ secondary struggling to find consistency at cornerback, adding a physical and aggressive prospect like Longerbeam could give them another option in a defensive backfield with a lot of questions. His ability to match up against bigger receivers will be key, and a strong Shrine Bowl performance could push him into the Giants’ sights.
Longerbeam is currently considered a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
5. Shilo Sanders (S, Colorado)
If the Giants are looking to add talent to their safety room, Shilo Sanders is a name to watch. The Colorado safety has been an impactful player for the Buffaloes, earning recognition for his versatility and leadership on defense. With the Giants continuing to search for an upgrade in their secondary, Sanders’ ability to cover ground and create turnovers will be something they’ll want to see first-hand.
Sanders is currently considered a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
6. Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas)
Another talented cornerback to watch is Cobee Bryant from Kansas. The 6-foot, 175-pound Bryant’s long arms and ball skills could make him an ideal fit for the Shane Bowen’s defensive scheme.
Bryant is currently ranked No. 149 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Consensus Big Board.
7. Ricky White (WR, UNLV)
Wide receiver remains a position of focus for the Giants, and Ricky White could be a name to keep an eye on. The UNLV receiver has a unique blend of speed and ball-tracking ability that could make him a valuable asset for the Giants’ offense. With questions surrounding Darius Slayton’s future do not be surprised to see the Giants add another wideout to pair with Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson. If White can showcase his explosiveness at the Shrine Bowl, he may find himself on the Giants’ radar as a potential late-round steal.
White is currently ranked No. 142 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Consensus Big Board.
8. LaJohntay Wester (WR, Colorado)
If the Giants are looking to add more depth to their receiving corps, LaJohntay Wester from Colorado is another wideout worth watching. Playing alongside Shedeur Sanders, the 5-foot-11, 167-pound slot receiver showed his ability to make big plays and create separation from defenders. His speed and playmaking ability could give the Giants another weapon at wide receiver, especially if they happen to bring his college quarterback in as well.
Wester is currently ranked No. 169 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Consensus Big Board.
9. Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
Another interesting quarterback prospect for the Giants is Kyle McCord, the former Ohio State QB who transferred to Syracuse and had a career year in 2024. McCord led the nation in completions and passing yards, and his development as a pocket passer may be something that intriugues the Giants. A solid Shrine Bowl week could solidify McCord as a top mid-round quarterback to keep an eye on.
McCord is currently considered a Day 3 selection.
10. Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)
A big-bodied receiver from Maryland, Kaden Prather could be a great fit for the Giants’ offense if they’re looking for a physical presence in the receiving game. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Prather has the size to make contested catches and could add an element of strength and red-zone potential to the Giants’ offense. If he performs well at the Shrine Bowl, Prather could make himself an attractive option in the later rounds of the draft.
Prather is currently ranked No. 106 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Consensus Big Board.
What to expect at Shrine Bowl practices
With the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl fast approaching, the Giants’ coaching staff, especially with Shane Bowen serving as head coach of the West team, will get a closer look at these top prospects. The East team will be coached by Marquice Williams, the special teams coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
2025 East-West Shrine Bowl
Date: Thursday, January 30
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: NFL Network
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
