Let’s look at some players who helped themselves during East-West Shrine practices
The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl practices have officially wrapped up in Denton, Texas, where NFL scouts, coaches, and evaluators are getting an up-close look at some of the top draft prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. This week’s practices have been a critical opportunity for many players to improve their draft stock.
Top performers from practice
Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
At 6-foot-1, 318 pounds, Phillips was one of the most dominant forces on the field this week. Known for his explosiveness off the line and powerful hand usage, Phillips consistently won one-on-one battles against offensive linemen. Despite not registering a sack during his college career, he showcased the kind of physicality and technique that should get him drafted high, potentially in the early rounds. His ability to hold his ground and be disruptive makes him a top defensive tackle prospect.
Elijah Roberts (Edge, SMU)
Roberts (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) was impressive throughout practice week with his combination of size and burst. He has a strong frame that allows him to walk offensive tackles back into the quarterback, while also showing quickness and disruption on inside moves. Roberts is turning heads as a potential early-round pick.
Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas)
At 5-foot-11, 171 pounds, Bryant has been a standout cornerback for the East team, showing impressive physicality and aggressiveness in man coverage. His confidence and tough play have drawn comparisons to Jalen Ramsey, despite being on the smaller side. Bryant’s competitive nature and solid ball skills make him one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s Shrine Bowl.
Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
McCord, who transferred from Ohio State to Syracuse for his senior year, may be the most physically gifted quarterback at the Shrine Bowl. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, McCord displayed excellent arm strength and the ability to throw with anticipation. He’s been especially accurate while moving in the pocket and has shown good decision-making skills. His improved play as a member of the Orange this season with 4,779 passing yards has helped elevate his draft stock, and he could now end up being a top-100 pick.
Ahmed Hassanein (Edge, Virginia Tech)
Hassanein, at 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds, impressed during pass rush drills with his burst and power off the edge. Though he lacks the flexibility some teams may want, his quickness and strength have been enough to challenge offensive linemen at the Shrine Bowl. He has been vocal and energetic, bringing a lot of intensity to the defensive line. His story is also noteworthy, having moved from Egypt to the U.S. and starting football in high school. Teams will appreciate his tenacity and upside as a pass rusher.
Jackson Meeks (WR, Syracuse)
Meeks has been one of the top wide receivers in practice, using his size (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) and strong hands to win contested catches. He was frequently targeted by McCord during team drills, and his ability to track deep balls and separate from defenders has turned heads. Meeks’s strong hands and ability to play through pass interference have made him a standout among this wide receiver class.
Raheim Sanders (RB, South Carolina)
At 6-foot and 224 pounds, Sanders showed off his impressive combination of speed and power. He demonstrated the ability to hit the hole with authority, break tackles, and make plays in space. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield has also been a plus during practices. Sanders could be a major weapon at the next level, and he’s making a strong case for a solid draft position.
Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)
The son of former NFL offensive lineman Pete Kendall, Drew Kendall (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) has shown strong technique and impressive strength in his pass protection. He’s been able to neutralize some of the best defensive tackles at the Shrine Bowl with his solid base and hand placement. His ability to handle both one-on-one battles and combination blocks is a good sign for his future as an interior lineman at the NFL level.
Other Notable Performances:
- CJ West (DT, Western Kentucky): West (6-foot-1, 314 pounds) showed excellent hand usage and power in his one-on-one drills, consistently winning against offensive linemen.
- Tim McKay (OG, NC State): McKay impressed during the one-on-one pass-rush drills, holding his ground against some of the more aggressive defensive linemen.
- Orande Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse): Gadsden (6-foot-4, 247 pounds) used his size and physicality to win against defenders, making key plays for his team.
- Hollin Pierce (OT, Rutgers): At 6-foot-8 and 342 pounds, Pierce’s sheer size stood out. He showed some fluidity in his movements despite his large frame.
Special teams/other observations:
- Shamari Simmons (S, Arizona State): Simmons was in the right place at the right time, grabbing an interception in coverage during team drills. His ability to stick with receivers and make plays on the ball is something scouts are noticing.
- Kaden Prather (WR, West Virginia): The 6-foot-3, 209-pound receiver made several impressive catches, including some tough grabs on contested balls. He’s making a name for himself as a reliable downfield threat.
- Nick Nash (WR, San Jose State): The converted quarterback from San Jose State has shown solid hands in the slot. His versatility and ability to get open in tight spaces have also been noticed.
