We're steadily marching towards Draft Day, and NFL talent evaluators are digging deep into the film to find the next cornerstone of their respective franchises. That last piece of film will be the College All-Star games, where NFL-caliber talent faces off against each other in a modified NFL format game. One of the longest-running and most prestigious of them is the East-West Shrine Bowl, played since 1925 and sponsored by Shriner's International. Since 1922, Shriner's Hospitals for Children have provided outstanding care to children throughout America in a family-centered environment, regardless of their ability to pay. The Shrine Bowl is an amazing opportunity for the Shriner's Kids to connect with the NFL greats past, present, and future as they share their stories on both sides about how they overcame adversity. 

The Shrine Bowl was chocked full of talent, and plays were made left and right but NFL prospects looking to impress their mark on NFL front offices. But out of all the players who competed that afternoon, I came away with this short list of players who really made a name for themselves. Joseph's Gems Presents: The Jewels of the Shrine Bowl.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB - UCLA

Thompson-Robinson, or "DTR" as he's affectionately called, was far and away the most experienced and athletic quarterback in this year's game. The fifth-year Senior threw for over 10,000 yards while at UCLA and ran for over 1,800 more, scoring a combined 116 touchdowns. His brightest year may have been in 2021, when he led the Pac-12 in Passing Efficiency Rating(153.9) total yards per play(7.3), passing yards per attempt (8.5), adjusted passing yards per attempt(9), and touchdowns responsible for(30) which earned him 2nd Team All Pac-12. DTR used his feet to extend plays in and out of the pocket, making precision throws to move his offense down the field; which was crucial to the West winning the game. Thompson-Robinson had the most passing yards and yards per attempt of all QBs at the game. Despite his exploits, Thompson-Robinson did have his downfalls. DTR depended on his legs too much, and several times scrambled out of a clean pocket instead of finding the open receiver downfield. Although he does have great accuracy, Thompson Robinson has some horrible mechanics at times, which can take away both his power and accuracy, but these things can be fixed with good coaching. 

Is Thompson-Robinson a fit for the Packers?

That's the million-dollar question that I don't think anyone can answer until they get DTR into camp. Chip Kelly ran his trademark up-tempo, no-huddle offense which doesn't translate necessarily well to the pros. DTR had his first taste of pro-style concepts in the week leading up to the game and I think he handled it mostly well. For many teams, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a project who if NFL teams really dig into him, he might have the makings of a standout QB in the pros. If the Packers are interested, Thompson-Robinson could be that 3rd QB on the depth chart who you continue to groom patiently as they seek to rebuild the position group after the eventual departure of Aaron Rodgers.

Value?

I had a 5th Round Grade on DTR last year when I thought he should have come out. In hindsight of last year's class, he probably should have gone in the 4th. If he lights up the Combine this year I can easily see him go in the 4th. There's a huge gap between the QBs who will go on Day 1 and the rest, and DTR is probably the best of what's left. I expect teams who have either aging QBs or are looking to build a potential "insurance policy" to start calling his agent very early Day 3.

Xazavian Valladay, RB - Arizona State

In a crowded room of RBs, this guy just looked better. Valladay won in short-yardage situations, broke a couple runs to the outside, and even added a catch in the passing game. In a 5 year career that spanned Wyoming and Arizona State, Valladay rushed for over 4,400 yards and gained another 873 through the air, scoring 39 total touchdowns, earning 2nd Team All Pac-12 in 2022. This year's Shrine Bowl teams both boasted a staunch defense, but Valladay looked like he could break loose almost anytime he got the hand-off. Valladay doesn't get too cute when he gets the rock, he'll make one cut/read before getting north and then it's up to you to catch him before he gets to full speed, and if that happens he's as good as gone. Valladay verified his big play potential by rushing for over 75 yards in the game, despite having to cede carries to the rest of the hungry RBs on the West roster, averaging a healthy 5.8 yards per carry. I'd like him to follow his blocks more, as he's too prone to trying to bounce outside and make a play versus taking what's there which can lead to negative gains over maybe a positive one or two yards.

Is Valladay a fit for the Packers?

Valladay is a near-perfect fit for the Packers' outside zone scheme, which allows him to showcase his speed best. In a future where the Packers may see a backfield without Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is the lead back, Xazavian Valladay at 6'0, 203lbs provides that change-of-pace, home run threat if he can get to the second level. Linebackers will simply fall into the backdrop as Valladay turns on the jets while defensive backs are either trying to find an angle to get him down or making a "business decision" because Valladay seeks out contact(sometimes to his detriment).

Value?

This is a draft class where there's a clear #1 and then there's everybody else. I'm sure there will be some running backs called on Day 2 but it's anyone's guess as to who they might be(the Packers shouldn't be looking that way hopefully). I could easily see Valladay go during the compensatory picks if he has a strong Pro Day, or I see him as a priority in the 4th Round.

Jordan Mims, RB - Fresno State

Mims was the second RB to speak to me during my scouting of the game. Where the aforementioned Valldaday lacked some "wiggle" to his game, Mims brings all the twitch. The Bulldog used that twitch to make the most of his carries in the game, adding an eye-popping 6.7 yards per carry that I credit to his excellent vision and elusiveness in the open field. I really wished the East Team had given him more opportunities, especially in the passing game but he made the most of his opportunities than anyone in a crowded backfield. Mims even got a chance to get back and return a kick, which showcased his value to potential suitors in the Draft. In 2022 as a "Super Senior" Mims led Fresno State's backfield with 1,370 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, he added an additional 126 yards through the air which earned him 1st Team All-Mountain West.

Is Mims a fit for the Packers?

Mims would be another running back that could be a potential feature in the outsize-zone scheme the Packers run. With his ability to find the hole and make defenders miss, it's very possible Mims challenges for a timeshare or starting gig in roughly two years, he's that good. His only question mark is how much of an asset he can be in the passing game as he had very few opportunities at Fresno State and he didn't get one at the Shrine Bowl either.

Value?

As one of the better backs in this year's class behind a certain runner from Texas, I expect Mims to be one of those first names looked at in the crop of "everybody else". I expect to see Mims come off the board around comp pick time on Day 2 with a strong Pro Day or as a priority pick in the 4th Round.

Brodric Martin, DL - Western Kentucky

When I'm looking for defensive linemen in an odd front, I like 'em big and I like 'em long (stop giggling!!!!). The Hilltoppers' Martin is both of those things so he immediately stood out. The 6'5, 337lbs nose tackle was a force on the interior, collapsing the pocket and ruining the offense's plans for the run. On a particular run play, Martin blew up the left side of the offensive line almost single-handedly, meanwhile, the edge forced a strip sack, and the ball patiently waited for Martin to recover. That's what I like to see. Martin applied consistent pressure on the majority of his reps, which lends to his sheer power and length, which can be a problem for Centers and Guards, who can be undersized lesser athletes on the interior. Nose Tackle is a thankless job, but Martin still got his flowers as an All-Conference USA Honorable Mention. With Martin, the thing that has me salivating the most is the fact that even as promising as Martin looks right now, he's still got a long way to go. Martin mostly depends on a combination of power and leverage, he still needs to work on his rush plan and tools. With the proper coaching, Martin can be a near unstoppable force all on his own on the defensive line in the NFL.

Is Martin a fit for the Packers?

When you're 6'5, 337lbs a competent Defensive Coordinator will find ways to get you on the field (not sure if we have one of those....). With that length and power, I'd keep Martin right at Nose Tackle and as I develop his hands slowly rotate him to 3-Tech and 4-Tech. I really need to see him run before I line him out wide though. If I had a 5-2 front in my playbook, I find a way to get him on the field and put Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, and Devonte Wyatt where they can take advantage. Defensive linemen this big are typically scheme diverse unless they have severely limited athletic profiles. Is he a fit? It's a resounding yes.

Value?

How did this guy not get a Combine invite? Without seeing a 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle I don't know where to place him. Based on the tape, I believe him to be no less than a 6th Rounder, I could see him in the 4th if someone falls in love with the tape and attends his Pro Day, but most likely his ceiling is around the 5th.

BJ Thompson, Edge - Stephen F. Austin

The Lumberjacks Thompson was probably the first player who flashed for me for the entire game. There were players I knew to watch, and players that I planned to watch, but Thompson's play said "Hey! Watch me."  Thompson was a force on the edge, sending opposing tackles reeling. I didn't see a single offensive lineman negate him but more just holding on for dear life. One time Thompson came through unblocked and I closed my eyes and said a small prayer for Dorian Thompson-Robinson's life. Although Thompson never got a sack in the Shrine Bowl, his presence was felt on every play. A top-flight athletic "freak" in this year's Draft Class, the 6'5, 238lbs Thompson will be on many radars throughout the league. During the 2022 season, Thompson garnered 1st Team All-Western Athletic Conference honors, leading his team to the WAC Conference Championship as well.

Is Thompson a fit for the Packers?

We know Brian Gutekunst loves athletic freaks, and Thompson certainly fits that profile. The only question is are they willing to wait for him to truly blossom? Thompson is still on the light side for a 3-4 edge rusher, and that's most likely why he doesn't win as much as he should. It might take one or two NFL offseasons to put more muscle on him so he can win with more than just speed and eventually convert speed to power. Initially a Baylor Bear coming out of high school, I imagine Thompson struggled because he couldn't handle the more beefy offensive tackles you see in Power 5 programs and will see nothing but in the NFL. Thompson already has the tools, he just needs the additional punch to go along with it. If he can get that increased power, Thompson would be a welcome addition to the Packers' edge rotation.

Value?

I'm not super enamored with this edge class, there's some real talent at the top, but I'm cool on the middle and the bottom. Thompson would have blown up had he gone to the Combine, but he's going to have to settle for an outstanding Pro Day. Since Stephen F. Austin isn't necessarily a well-renowned program, I'm only going to guess teams will go specifically just to see him. Who shows up is anyone's guess. But if he absolutely kills it, word will get around. I have a 5th Round Grade for Thompson.

Caleb Murphy, Edge - Ferris State

Murphy was the one small school prospect I was waiting to see, as he did something that nobody has done in all of college football. Building off a successful Junior season where he recorded 63 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles, winning a Division II National Championship; Murphy took his Senior season to another level. Murphy "went off" for 90 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, and 25.5 sacks, breaking Matt Judon's record for most sacks in Division II history(20.5) and Terrell Suggs' NCAA single-season record of 24(he won a second-straight National Championship too). That's pretty good company to be in if you ask me, and it doesn't stop there. Adding to his impressive state line, Murphy also won the Ted Hendricks award, given to the best defensive end in football, the first time it was ever awarded to a Division II player. Murphy also was named the GLIAC Player of the Year and also won the Cliff Harris Award which is given to the nation's best small school defensive player. Now to the game, Murphy looked like the lights weren't too bright for him in Vegas, making several plays on the run, flushed the quarterback out of the pocket, and even recorded a sack.

Is Murphy a fit for the Packers?

If you can give me 25 sacks in a season, I'll find a way to make you fit. But seriously, I wasn't sure if Murphy would fit the profile for the Packers, but Kingsley Enagbare broke that mold last year(he wasn't even on my Big Board for testing so horribly). Murphy has the production, and he has provided some glimpses of what he might be against pro-caliber players. If Enagbare worked and flashed some potential I see no reason why Murphy can't either. The toughest thing for Murphy would be going from a 3-point to a 2-point stance, so a slight 1-year adjustment could be necessary that was similar to the one Rashan Gary went through en route to being one of the NFL's best edge rushers.

Value?

Murphy did receive a Combine invite, and I can tell you right now, if "he is him".....we could be talking early Day 2. I don't necessarily want to get into the 1st Round hype, but with that kind of production and resume, you'd have to think about 4 times before passing him up if he falls to the 3rd Round.

Nic Jones, CB - Ball State

Jones was a formidable defender on the perimeter for the West. He displayed good technique and even when the receiver got a step, he has the make-up speed to correct his mistakes, which is increasing value when scouting defensive backs. A very underrated part to Jones' game is the fact he can thrive in a man or zone scheme. The Shrine Bowl has modified rules that limit the defense's creativity, which forces some players to play outside of their strengths, I saw instances of press man and Cover 3 concepts that Jones felt very much in his element. How? Ball State employs similar schemes which are key to producing an all-around Cornerback. Nic used that versatility to record an interception in the game, which kept the momentum on the West's side en route to a victory.

Is Jones a fit for the Packers?

Absolutely! I'd prefer Jones on the boundary but he has the hips and the tackling prowess to play inside too. There's nothing more soothing than knowing that wherever your secondary lines up, they are in a position to win their matchup. Jones will be sought by all 32 teams who are looking for quality Cornerback play. I project Jones to be a starter in this league sooner than later.

Value?

This Cornerback class is DEEP. I could see Jones go in the 3rd, I can also see him go in the 4th. After the 1st and 2nd Rounds, it's really just a matter of who you prefer over the other. I need to see Jones at the Combine for his measurements, if he's 6'0 I could definitely see him as a 3rd Round Grade. If he measures somewhere around 5'10 as some might suggest, other teams may pencil him as nickel only and perhaps wait and see if he's available in the 4th. Gutey has been churning the roster every year in search of that elusive 4th CB on the depth chart, landing Jones early on Day 3 would be a steal.

Kei'Trel Clark, CB - Louisville

I like this guy! He's feisty! Clark immediately popped to me because he was battling WRs all day long, and didn't draw a flag either(not sure if he'll get away with it in the pros). Clark is an enthusiastic press man CB who you hate to line up against because he's going to annoy you all game(I think I heard a little bit of trash talking going on during the game to get in their heads). Originally committed to the Liberty Flames out of high school, Clark stepped his game up and transferred to Louisville and made an impact almost immediately. He's a little undisciplined at times and makes mental errors, but that can be coached out of him. He has the speed and the aggression you want from a natural nickel. Kei'Trel will attempt to level you in the backfield although he sometimes makes a clean whiff because he overran the play, but again....can be coached up. 

Is Clark a fit for the Packers?

For a team that's looking for more flexibility at the nickel position I wholeheartedly believe so. Clark also plays with that chip on his shoulder and fire that I think can be fleeting on the Packers defense. Sometimes when it comes to playing defense, you need a "thug", and at the nickel spot, Clark can bring that to the table(no semblance whatsoever on Clark's character).

Value?

At 5'10, 180lbs, Clark is going to be penciled in as nickel-only for a lot of teams. But he's a darn good one. I see him going on the back end of the 3rd Round or very early in the 4th. He has a Combine invite plus Pro Day to look forward to so the only way to go is up for him.

Trey Dean III, S - Florida

Dean was a big reason why the West gave up almost nothing deep. A 3-year starter at Florida, Trey has the necessary length at 6'3, 210 to challenge anyone on the field. Dean originally came to the Gators as a CB, but over the course of his time in Gainesville, has played CB, FS, SS, and LB on long passing downs. That versatility and experience is an asset to your defense both on and off the field, and he showed his leadership while anchoring the back end of the West's defense. For the NFL, I like Dean as a SS, because he excels in run coverage, but I don't want you to think he's only a SS, he can do both in the pro game(but SS is where he shines best). Dean's athleticism and instincts allow him to be in on the play no matter how close or far away it is from him. That experience flashed when Dean got an interception in the red zone as the East was driving late in the 1st half trying to get back into the game. 

Is Dean a fit for the Packers?

Dean's versatility makes his services in demand for 2-high and 3-high looks, and he brings added value when you bring him into the box. He'll call your defense for you during 4-minute and 2-minute offenses too. He's an excellent tackler and doesn't have you biting your nails when he's forced into man coverage. There's not a scheme that Dean doesn't fit in.

Value?

Dean makes splash plays but he doesn't necessarily string them together well. Ball production is a question mark but yet if he gets an opportunity he tends to come down with it and flip the field. There are nuances to his game that need to be coached up that prevent his name from being called Day 2. I'd say 4th Round with the ability to raise his stock at the Combine and Pro Day.

Jake Moody, K - Michigan

I typically don't look at the entire specialist class til after the Combine. But Moody really was the MVP of the Shrine Bowl, he scored all the points! Moody was 4/4 including two 51-yard field goals. Granted I get it, he was indoors, but Moody is a Michigan Man, he was 29/35 for field goals and 60/60 for extra points with a long of 59. That's a pretty good leg. Kicking up north in the cold will always have value over kicking anywhere else. In 2021 Moody was a consensus All-American and won the Lou Groza award, given to the nation's best kicker. In 2022, Moody led the nation in field goals attempted and made. He also led the BigTen in total points scored. 

Is Moody a fit for the Packers?

Is Mason Crosby returning? Mason is currently a free agent, and while I'm normally cool on rookie kickers, Moody is the first I've seen in years that makes me want him to assume the mantle of starting kicker. Mason came out of Colorado, so I'll assume the Packers will target another cold-weather kicker if they do want to replace him. Moody from Michigan fits that bill.

Value?

Moody is certainly draftable, and while kickers normally go in the 7th Round, the best typically go in the 6th. I expect Moody to go near the top of the 6th Round or maybe somebody spends a comp pick on him earlier if possible. If the Packers really want him, they may have to trade a package to get to him in time.

They don't call them All-Star games for no reason, as this one was oozing with talent. Stay locked in CHTV faithful as "Gems" moves to the Senior Bowl coming up next.

#GPG