Denton, Texas — As the college football season wraps up, it’s time to shift focus to the all-star games, starting with the 100th Shrine Bowl held here in Denton. This event is significant for many players, as an impressive performance can boost their NFL draft stock. Last year, 57 players were drafted from the Shrine Bowl, including eight in the top three rounds, which makes this year’s players excited about their potential future in the pros.
This week, several players have stood out during practice, helping their chances for the upcoming NFL draft. Notably, Kyle McCord has made headlines as one of the most improved quarterbacks. After transferring from Ohio State, McCord has transformed his game, showing great anticipation, confidence, and solid pocket presence while playing for the Orange. He has emerged as the top quarterback at the Shrine Bowl, drawing comparisons to Joe Burrow, who also thrived after leaving Ohio State.
Then there’s Bryant, a 5-foot-11 cornerback who has shown incredible aggression, mimicking the style of star corner Jalen Ramsey. Despite being lighter than many of his competitors, his strong performance during practice has made scouts take notice, with potential comparisons to Emmanuel Forbes.
Another noteworthy player, Elijah Roberts, transitioned from a defensive end at SMU and impressed everyone with his agility at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds. His ability to pressure quarterbacks is catching the eyes of coaches. Meanwhile, Shepard, a wide receiver, has showcased his strong catch ability during practices, following his breakout season at Syracuse where he amassed over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
A rising star from a lower division is Perry, who played at Middlebury College. Taking part in the Shrine Bowl, Perry showed he belonged among the top talent, handling tougher competitors well during the week. At 6-foot-3 and 311 pounds, he has the potential to play center at the next level.
The focus now turns to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Fans eager for draft coverage can look forward to updates and a closer look at eligible prospects as the event approaches.
