Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur represent
the starting left side of the New England Patriots offensive line. Along with
reserve defensive tackle Santonio Thomas, the team came away with three
solid players from last years event. The
Denver Broncos are also relying on a pair of former Shrine veterans.
Starting cornerback Dominique Foxworth and reserve cornerback Karl Paymah both excelled in the 80th Shrine Game last year. Chris Kemoeatu,
a reserve offensive guard for the Steelers, also impressed scouts when the game was in San
Francisco a year ago.
In
the NFC several rookies who participated in the 2005 Shrine week are now helping playoff
teams. Seahawks starting strong side linebacker Leroy Hill has led
a rejuvenated defensive movement in Seattle. Stefan LeFors is
Carolina’s third string quarterback. And though no longer listed as the
team’s starter, no rookie had a greater impact on their team than Kyle Orton did fro Chicago this past season.
Other
teams also relied on rookies that played in last years Shrine Game. Michael Roos started all season at offensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans.
Philadelphia Eagles running
back Ryan Moats, a junior when he played in the '05 Shrine Game, was
impressive in late season action. Jay Ratliff played well for the Cowboys
defensive line rotation. Fred Amey did enough to earn himself a
roster spot on the 49ers next season while Ryan Fitzpatrick started
several games for the Rams when their veterans were injured.
So who are the prospect on the radar screen once practices begin in earnest Monday morning?
The
East Team
Wisconsin
receiver Jonathan Orris a physically gifted athlete who showed
minimal consistency in college. A big week could push him up draft boards.
Leon Washington was a highly rated running
back coming into the season. Yet a porous Florida State offensive line and terrible passing game was part-n-parcel to the disappointing campaign suffered
by the Seminole ball carrier. Washington needs a big post-season
to jump back into the draft's top 75 selections and his opportunity starts
tomorrow.
Ohio
cornerback Dion Byrum flashed big
play ability all season, being the difference-maker in several games. Byrum has
the opportunity to prove to NFL scouts '05 was no fluke as he'll be pitted
against several outstanding receivers all week.
Jason Spitz has been a dominant offensive lineman for several seasons now.
Holding down the guard position at Louisville for three years, Spitz will be
able to show his versatility by playing center. Good performances will only
enhance his draft value.
Considered
the top I-AA prospect in next April's draft, Cornell's Kevin Boothe was a
devastating blocker on the small school level. He needs to prove he can
handle a step up in competition at the offensive tackle position.
The
West Team
After
an exceptional first campaign at BYU, game breaking wide out Todd Watkins
took a step back as a senior. A receiver with the ability to stretch
opposing defenses, a good week of Shrine practices could get Watkins back in the good
graces of NFL scouts.
This
year's new internet icon, Abilene Christian's Danieal Manning, possesses
the size\speed numbers which legends are made of. Yet no one is quite sure
what Manning's best NFL-position is. A junior invited to the game, Manning
needs a big week of
football to impress scouts.
A
former tight end at Oklahoma, Chris Chester did an outstanding job last
year after moving to the offensive line. Effectively
handling both the guard and center positions despite a knee injury, Chester's
draft stock has been on a straight-shot north since September. Good
performances in San Antonio could push him into the draft's first day.
Another
who stood out in his first year on the offensive line was TCU tackle Michael Toudouze. Doing a terrific job on the blind-side all year, Toudouze
could continue to improve on a splendid senior season against some of college football's
better pass rushers next week.
TFY's
Coverage of Shrine Week
Starting
Monday, premium subscribers of Scout.com can look forward to daily coverage of
the goings-on everyday in San Antonio.
Practice
reports will be available from both the East and West side every
afternoon. Breakdowns of those who impressed and those who disappointed
will be posted Monday-through-Wednesday.
Every
night the practice reports will be followed-up with a look at which players NFL teams
are concentrating on as well as the rumors swirling at the Shrine Game and any
other breaking news.