Falcons in Vegas: Shrine Bowl Day 3 Risers, Fallers & Notes
LAS VEGAS -- The Atlanta Falcons coaching staff's third day at the East-West Shrine Bowl was succinctly summed up by one of the defensive backs.
"It's cold as f--- out here," the player said while jogging out for warmups.
The Falcons, in charge of leading the East team, endured low-40-degree temperatures with wind, rain and overcast skies. Offensive coordinator Dave Ragone joked that his time with the Chicago Bears prepared him well for the conditions.
Nevertheless, Monday was another day of work for Atlanta's staff and the East players, serving as an opportunity to impress scouts and decision-makers alike.
While the sidelines were emptier than the first two days of practice due to teams sending personnel to the Reese's Senior Bowl, there remained a solid contingent of NFL evaluators on hand.
And here's a recap of how it all went down at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas' Fertitta Complex ...
Risers
Several familiar names continued to have strong weeks, as Louisville cornerback Kei'Trel Clark and West Virginia defensive tackle Dante Stills stood out once more. Clark made an exceptional play to blow up a screen pass in team drills while Stills remained extremely difficult to block in one-on-ones.
One player who actually won a rep against Stills is Maryland's Spencer Anderson, who has played all five spots across the offensive line and projects as an interior lineman. He's been one of the steadier presences up front throughout the week.
Another offensive lineman who had a good day is Penn State center Juice Scruggs. Along with Anderson, Scruggs has consistently stood out in both run and pass blocking one-on-ones.
On the other side of the trenches, Texas defensive tackle Moro Ojomo had a stellar day, showcasing power and quick hands to defeat blocks and collapse the pocket.
Louisville outside linebacker Yasir Abdullah is on the smaller side at 6-1, 234 pounds, but East team left tackle and Cardinals teammate Trevor Reid described him as a "freak" athlete - and he showed why Monday, consistently winning with speed as a pass rusher while also showing pop in his hands.
Two Wake Forest teammates in receiver A.T. Perry and tight end Blake Whiteheart continued their standout weeks; both former Demon Deacons have been arguably the best at their respective positions this week.
Joining Whiteheart at tight end is Michigan State's Daniel Barker, an athletic pass catcher who's continually gained separation and has put together back-to-back good days catching the ball.
Fallers
Western Kentucky nose tackle Brodric Martin has had a difficult week in one-on-ones, and he continued to struggle generating pressure as a pass rusher. Martin is a big-bodied player who can defend the run but hasn't shown the ability to be more than a two-down player.
Kansas offensive lineman Earl Bostick lost a few reps in the one-on-ones, particularly struggling with power at the punch and anchoring when knocked back.
Injury Updates and New Additions
Several players departed Las Vegas on Sunday night or Monday morning - receivers Kearis Jackson (Georgia) and Nikko Remigio (Fresno State), offensive linemen Alex Palczewski (Illinois), BJ Wilson (Quincy), Jordan McFadden (Clemson) and Carter Warren (Pittsburgh), San Jose State defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko, Georgia outside linebacker Robert Beal Jr. and TCU corner Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson.
The Shrine Bowl added two new players in Adams and UNLV linebacker Austin Ajiake. Adams walked away with an interception in his first session.
Extracurriculars
Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan led a stout two-minute drive, using his arm talent and athleticism to pickup yards, but Purdue's Aidan O'Connell was the top signal caller, showing the best anticipation and field vision of the group.
Arkansas receiver Jadon Haselwood was fluid, explosive and crisp in his routes but struggled to finish at the catch point, dropping several balls throughout the morning.
Houston safety Gervarrius Owens made an impressive play on the ball in zone coverage, reading, reacting and breaking to disrupt a pass. Owens has been up-and-down in man coverage but has been a solid contributor throughout the week.
Falcons special teams coordinator and acting East team coach Marquice Williams began one-on-ones with the offensive and defensive line. Coach Arthur Smith was on the field alongside new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who made his first appearance of the week.
The Falcons-led East team will return to the practice field Tuesday morning at the Las Vegas Raiders practice facility, with the session set to begin at 10 a.m.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
Get your HOTlanta Falcons game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the Si.com team page here
