2023 East-West Shrine Bowl Notebook: Film Study Observations (WEST)
In speaking with various scouts around the league, there is a notion that the 2023 NFL Draft Class isn’t laden with talent up top and that it lacks true franchise quarterbacks. Those connotations may ring true. However, after having observed the East-West Shrine Bowl and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (two events that make up the majority of mid-late round draft picks) practices over the past couple of weeks, it’s clearly one of the deepest drafts we have ever seen during our two decades of coverage.
Last year, the NFL decided to attach the East-West Shrine Bowl to Pro Bowl week. Since then, executive director Eric Galko has seemed to elevate the level of talent over the past two years. The collection of prospects to descend upon Las Vegas was outstanding! Here are ten players who moved the needle with their performance in Sin City.
Remember, the official 2023 NFL Draft Bible Draft Guide will feature in-depth scouting reports on all players who participated in ‘The Big 3’ all-star games, plus all underclassmen and under the radar gems (500+ profiles in total). Be sure to reserve your copy today and save.
CLICK HERE FOR SHRINE BOWL EAST TEAM FILM STUDY OBSERVATIONS
WEST TEAM
#3 QB Tommy DeVito, Illinois [Height: 6005 | Weight: 206 | Hand: 1018 | Arm: 2958 | Wing: 7400]
One great aspect of the all-star circuit is that cream always rises to the top. Such was the case for the West Team, as DeVito clearly stood out as the top passer of the group as the week wore on. The Syracuse transfer demonstrated great command of the offense, oozed confidence to zip it into tight windows, displayed poise in the pocket and made quick, smart decisions. While he threw short-to-intermediate passes with pinpoint accuracy, especially the crossing patterns, DeVito was also effective pushing the ball downfield and had nice touch on his deep passes. His footwork was fluid and he showcased his ability to step up in the pocket and extend plays. While DeVito has a bit of a slingshot throwing release, which makes for a longer release motion, he will depart Vegas as a big winner; NFL teams will see plenty of positive attributes worth developing.
Playing in his own backyard (Robinson hails from high school powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas; his mom is a professor at UNLV), DTR flashed why he is a tantalizing quarterback prospect throughout the week and he also showed why he remains a work in progress. When he’s on, it’s lethal; Thompson-Robinson possesses a rocket arm capable of airing the ball deep downfield with a flick of the wrist. He can throw on the move, is extremely dangerous off of play-action and can move the chains with his feet when needed. When he’s off, it’s a head-scratching affair; there are certain easy throws that he makes look difficult, or he will tend to pass up a profit completion in favor of a risky pass attempt. Despite the struggles, Thompson-Robinson will have allure. He did manage to execute the two minute drill with efficiency and was especially accurate on back shoulder throws, placing the ball where only his target could grab it. One might describe DTR as a poor man’s Justin Fields—an electrifying talent who needs to smooth out some of his throwing accuracy woes.
#24 RB Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota [Height: 5074 | Weight: 203 | Hand: 0878 | Arm: 2828 | Wing: 7018]
We wrote about Ibrahim being one of the most underrated prospects headed into the week. His quick acceleration, burst and vision were on full display, running briskly through bag drills, flashing high knees and even introducing scouts to his pass-catching prowess, something he wasn’t asked to do a lot of for the Gophers. The Baltimore native had an accolade-filled career, finishing as the school’s all-time leading rusher (4,668 yards), racking up 53 career touchdowns and gaining 110 combined first downs and touchdown runs this past season, which led the nation. Most impressive is his ability to break tackles—of his 1,675 rushing yards this year, 1,106 yards came after contact, an impressive stat! At his floor, Ibrahim could become a Boston Scott or Jacquizz Rodgers-type player at the next level, which is great value for a Day Three running back selection.
#80 WR Jake Bobo, UCLA [Height: 6040 | Weight: 216 | Hand: 0978 | Arm: 3228 | Wing: 7848]
Could Bobo be the best prospect that no one is talking about? Possibly. The lengthy, physical Bruins playmaker emerged as the top target for the aforementioned ‘DTR,’ leading UCLA in receptions and receiving yards while averaging over 14 yards per catch and exploiting red zone mismatches on his way to seven scores. In fact, Bobo previously led Duke in receiving the year prior, where he spent his first four seasons. He owns a knack for finding the open seam in coverage against the zone and can oftentimes win in man as he bodies up or shields his defender, utilizing his great length. A natural hands catcher with excellent size and technique, Bobo can line up all over the field. Don’t be surprised to see him outplay many of the wide receivers projected to be chosen ahead of him.
#84 WR Justin Shorter, Florida [Height: 6036 | Weight: 224 | Hand: 0978 | Arm: 3368 | Wing: 8248]
Even the untrained eye can easily identify that Shorter is moving at a faster rate than the rest of the competition. His athleticism screams; Shorter possesses extreme quickness, dependable hands, natural instincts and is able to pivot on a dime. He can also catch the ball and turn it upfield in a jiffy; able to pick up big chunks of yardage in the blink of an eye. Shorter has been seen throughout the week making vertical grabs, diving catches and contested balls that he has no business claiming. A transfer from Penn State, he missed three of the final four games for the Gators this past year. The East-West Shrine Bowl week was the perfect platform for him to turn up in front of NFL scouts and remind them of his capabilities. The body control, agility, athleticism and speed are real!
#83 TE Travis Vokolek, Nebraska [Height: 6036 | Weight: 224 | Hand: 0978 | Arm: 3368 | Wing: 8248]
It was refreshing to see Vokolek excel in a role he’s not accustomed to. A tough competitor who has battled through injuries, the transfer from Rutgers demonstrated that he is more than just a blocker who can make the occasional catch. In fact, Vokolek appeared to be an athletic, natural pass-catcher, making several impressive grabs throughout the week. He was able to make body adjustments to badly thrown balls and opened up some eyes in terms of how he can be employed at the next level. In addition, he’s the son of a coach, which usually means he carries a high football IQ. His father (DJ) is currently the defensive coordinator for Southern Illinois (he previously served in the same capacity at Nebraska). With his background, being a rugged mauler as a blocker in the run game and an asset in the passing game, Vokolek has set himself up to possibly hear his name called on Day Three come April.
#93 DL Scott Matlock, Boise State [Height: 6041 |Weight: 308 | Hands: 0900 | Arm: 3248 | 7828
A dominant performance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl led Matlock to an invitation to Sin City and he has not disappointed! Few opposing linemen could stop him during one-on-one drills in Pasadena or Las Vegas as scouts hurriedly jotted down checkmarks in their notebooks next to his name. Matlock possesses impressive hand combat in the trenches, does a nice job shedding blocks/disengaging and has drawn high praise from scouts during team interviews. There might not be another player who has improved his draft stock over the past two weeks more than Matlock—teetering as a Day Three/priority free agent prospect prior to the all-star circuit, he has now solidified himself as a bonafide mid-round prospect.
#91 DL Desjuan Johnson, Toledo [Height: 6020 | Weight: 267 | Hand: 0958 | Arm: 3178 | Wing: 7838]
A bowling ball with spikes, ‘Boots’ is a force on the interior of the defensive line. Blessed with a lightning quick get-off, Johnson possesses excellent technique and athleticism. He has wreaked havoc on the MAC, earning a reputation for blowing up opponents' backfields. He had one of his best games of his career against Ohio State, which he played with a sprained MCL. He projects as an effective three-technique in the NFL but could also be kicked outside to defensive end in run situations. At one point, Johnson weighed as much as 295 pounds but he lost an immense amount of weight after contracting COVID-19. His father (Dion), who played defensive tackle for Kansas, died tragically when he was an innocent victim of a shooting in their eastside Detroit neighborhood; Desjuan was just four years old. Along his journey to knocking on the doorstep of the NFL, Johnson has lost countless other coaches, mentors and friends to violence. While some scouts may not feel that Johnson checks off all the boxes in terms of size criteria (height/arm length), his heart and desire are unmeasurable—don’t be the one to count this young man out, he was built for the challenge.
#43 LB Mohamoud Diabate, Utah [Height: 6033 | Weight: 229 | Hand: 0948 | Arm: 3218 | Wing: 8048]
To the naked eye, Mohamoud appeared to be the quickest linebacker in Las Vegas this week—his athleticism is through the roof. His fast, physical, aggressive demeanor is noticeable in his play style, as he flies to the football and is swift to fill the gap. Mohamoud was slow out of the gates this past season after missing spring ball due to offseason shoulder surgery. However, he was quick to catch fire and finished up his ’22 campaign on a high note. If he can improve his pass coverage and continue to get stronger, Mohamoud can develop into a three-down linebacker at the next level. He started 17 games at Florida before finishing up his career at Utah, where he manned the middle but also showcased his ability to get after the quarterback (13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in ’22; had 10.5 tackles for loss and five and a half sacks in three years for the Gators). After seeing the success that Devin Lloyd (Jaguars) experienced coming out of Provo, Mohamoud had the desire to become the next great Utes linebacker to hear his name called in the NFL Draft. Safe to say, that dream is expected to turn into reality this April.
S Trey Dean, Florida [Height: 6025 | Weight: 211 | Hand: 0948 | Arm: 3228 | Wing: 7668]
An enforcer who patrols the middle of the field, Dean was hyped up so much coming out of high school (expectations that he failed to live up to), that he has almost become an under the radar prospect. Some of the best characteristics of his overall game are his versatility and intelligence. Dean can line up at either safety spot, he thrives in the box and actually began his career at cornerback. He has also played the nickelback role and owns special teams experience. In addition, Dean has played for three different coordinators, so he has a deep understanding of various schemes and alignments. The Georgia native left little doubt that he was one of the best players in attendance at the East-West Shrine Bowl and he may have played himself into the top 100 overall conversation. Look for him to light up the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy next!
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