Shrine Bowl Preview: Prospects Cardinals Could Target
The Shrine Bowl is almost upon us - and before you think this is the "lesser" of the college All-Star games, keep this is mind - the Arizona Cardinals drafted multiple players from the Shrine Bowl last year:
- Dante Stills
- Kei'Trel Clark
- Jon Gaines
They even signed a few undrafted free agents that played in the game: Kyle Soelle, Blake Whiteheart and Starling Thomas V (later obviously).
There's plenty of reason to pay attention to this game - and not to mention a couple of coordinators from the Cardinals will be there coaching the prospects and getting more familiar with the incoming class.
Here's a few position groups and players to keep an eye on (players in bold with an asterisk especially):
WRs - EAST TEAM
- Anthony Gould, Oregon State
- Cornelius Johnson, Michigan*
- Tejhaun Palmer, UAB
- Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky
- David White Jr., Western Carolina
- Isaiah Williams, Illinois
- Drake Stoops, Oklahoma
Analysis: With Drew Terrell operating as the East team offensive coordinator, he will get a close look at this group. Wide receiver is a huge need for Arizona, and it would not be shocking to see them pick one of these players on Day 3 for depth.
Isaiah Williams, with 82 catches and over 1000 yards, may have the most eye-popping stats but may be off their radar due to his 5'10" build.
White Jr. doesn't neccesarily have the numbers (only 34 catches for 519 yds in 2023) but does have the size at 6'4". Palmer is similar with over 800 yards and 15 yards a reception at 6'2".
Possibly the name to keep an eye on the most is Cornelius Johnson. Not only is he likely the most recognized name from the list - he was also one of Michigan's go to receivers in a run heavy offense. Having good size, it will be interesting to see how he tests.
If he can play special teams and run-block, consider him a very solid and even likely Arizona Day 3 target.
WRs - WEST TEAM
- Josh Cephus UTSA*
- Lideatrick Griffin Miss St
- Jaxon Janke WR SD St
- Bub Means, Pitt
- Tahj Washington USC
- Malik Washington, Virginia
Analysis: The other WR group will be interesting with Spencer Whipple there.
Malik Washington is the headliner here thanks to the numbers he put up in 2023, but his height will give Arizona pause (5'8") - and the same thing goes with the other Washington, but to a lesser extent with the statistics.
Bub Means as a 6'2" receiver that averaged 17 yards a catch could be an interesting UDFA addition.
The most intriguing one to keep an eye on would be Josh Cephus. His stats at UTSA are eye-popping with 87/89 catches the last two years with 16 touchdowns.
At 6'3" he would be the size Arizona would like as well.
Other Positions
RBs
- Frank Gore Jr, Southern Miss
- Blake Watson, Memphis*
Analysis: Gore is intriguing for obvious reasons - his NFL lineage. He likely will not go until Day 3.
Watson as well is an interesting late-round prospect. At 6'2" and 220 lbs he had over 1,000 yards at the same school that produced Tony Pollard to go with 53 catches.
Considering his size and versatility, he could make some sense as a potential long-term James Conner replacement.
OTs
- Julian Pearl, Illinois
- Walter Rouse, Oklahoma
- Caedan Wallace, Penn St
Analysis: Pearl played left tackle for Illinois and is a Day 3 pick with some upside and athletic tools according to some draft analysts - the NFL Combine might be big for him. Some also project him to move inside to guard.
Rouse played LT for Oklahoma, so no doubt Kyler Murray has some thoughts on him - he's not as sought after as Guyton, their RT, but nonetheless may be worth the flier.
Wallace played RT for Penn St - and you know that Arizona is already watching their left tackle, Fashanu. If they like Wallace, he may be a good RT of the future on Day 3 if they can make it work for a year or two and move Paris Johnson to left tackle.
IOL
- Christian Mahogany, BC
- Karsen Barnhart, Michigan
Analysis: Mahogany has gone as high as the second round in some mocks and may be a starter at LG if the Cardinals can't find one in free agency.
Barnhart was a part of the nation's best offensive line in 2022 (Joe Moore award) and is listed as Michigan's RT but has played all over the line. As a later-round pick with a high floor, he might make sense depth wise.
LBs
- Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
- Curtis Jacobs, Penn St.
Analysis: Cooper may not be a huge need for Arizona, but he is a quick and rangy linebacker that may be worth a look with one of their Round 3 picks.
Jacobs seems to fit the mold of what Arizona likes to draft and develop at inside linebacker - and plays on special teams.
IDL
- Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)*
- Evan Anderson, Florida Atlantic
Analysis: If there is a player who can go in the first round like Tre Flowers last year, it seems to be Leonard Taylor. The knock on him according to some draft analysts is his effort seems to be hot and cold.
If he is there at the top of Round 2, Arizona may be interested, given his high ceiling.
Evan Anderson is a massive nose tackle that could be had later in the draft - the Cardinals don't seem to want one in their defensive front given their signings last year, but you never know.
EDGE
- Khalid Duke, KS St
- Jonah Elliss, Utah*
- Xavier Thomas, Clemson
Analysis: With six sacks this past year, Duke may be worth a flier on day 3.
Elliss had a great year for Utah (12 sacks) and good NFL bloodlines (his father, Luther, played in the NFL). His size and fit in Arizona's scheme would be the main question. If he's there in Round 3, he might make a lot of sense.
Thomas is much bigger but without as much production. But given his school, he should be a high floor guy to evaluate later in the draft.
CB
- Renardo Green, Florida State
- Jarrian Jones, Florida State
Analysis: In an effort to build up depth, Green may be worth a Day 3 pick if Gannon, Ossenfort and Rallis think he can play inside and outside. Some analysts think he is a slot-only corner.
Jones was the top PFF graded defender on Florida State's defense and had three interceptions.
