No Shedeur Sanders, but 4 other Buffaloes among Shrine Bowl players to watch

ARLINGTON, Texas — The primary of the main showcase occasions for NFL Draft-eligible prospects culminates Thursday night time because the East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off from AT&T Stadium.

Over the previous a number of days, attendees have practiced below the tutelage of professional coaches and met with group personnel from throughout the NFL. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, the occasion’s highest-profile title and the potential No. 1 general decide, didn’t take part in practices however met with groups and spoke to the media. The opposite Buffalo attendees did observe although, together with considered one of his older brothers, security Shilo Sanders.

Listed below are eight gamers to observe Thursday night time within the Shrine Bowl:

Shilo Sanders, S, Colorado
Measurables: 6-0, 195 kilos
2024 stats (10 video games): 67 tackles (2 for loss), 2 PBUs, FF, 2 FR (1 returned for a TD)

Along with his youthful brother, Shedeur, not collaborating, Shilo is the highest-profile title set to play. However he had a quiet week of observe. His draft projections are huge, from late-round decide to undrafted.

Shilo was Colorado’s third-leading tackler final season. In 2023, he ranked second nationally with 4 pressured fumbles and tied a Pac-12-high with 55 solo tackles.

Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Measurables: 6-0, 175 kilos
2024 stats (12 video games): 37 tackles (4 for loss), 4 INTs, 7 PBUs, FF

Bryant could have been one of the best general participant at Shrine Bowl practices. He had no less than one interception and a number of go breakups throughout the week. He’s a bit skinny, however his fluidity and willingness to deal with stand out. His confidence is clear, too — he was chirping with receivers throughout drills.

A projected mid-round decide, Bryant was the primary Kansas Jayhawk to be named a first-team All-Massive 12 choice in three consecutive seasons.

LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
Measurables: 5-11, 167 kilos
2024 stats (13 video games): 74 receptions for 931 yards and 10 TDs

Colorado’s finest huge receiver this previous season not named Travis Hunter, Wester flashed all through Shrine Bowl practices together with his shiftiness and pace, making him a tough cowl for defensive backs.

Wester is a slot receiver and punt returner. He’ll have to placed on weight for the subsequent degree, however his manufacturing and expertise will give him an opportunity to have an effect on a professional roster. He had 252 receptions for two,703 yards and 31 touchdowns in 5 seasons at Florida Atlantic (2020-23) and Colorado (2024).

Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU
Measurables: 6-4, 295 kilos
2024 stats: 35 tackles (11 for loss), 7.5 sacks, 2 FF

Roberts’ energy was evident throughout practices, knocking again offensive linemen in drills. However he additionally showcased plus pace for his measurement to win from each the sting and inside, displaying his versatility.

A Miami switch, Roberts had 24 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and 4 pressured fumbles throughout two years at SMU.

Will Sheppard, WR, Colorado
Measurables: 6-3, 205 kilos
2024 stats (13 video games): 48 receptions for 621 yards and 6 TDs

Sheppard made the play of the week throughout Shrine Bowl practices.

In a red-zone 7-on-7 drill, he snagged what seemed to be a throwaway from UCLA’s Ethan Garbers within the again nook of the tip zone with one hand. The landing catch was all of the extra spectacular contemplating he was falling backward and defended tightly by LSU’s Zy Alexander.

It was the sort of play that would considerably increase his draft inventory.

Previously at Vanderbilt, Sheppard didn’t have eye-popping numbers in school. However his traits as a big-bodied receiver give him Day 2 upside.

Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
Measurables: 6-3, 320 kilos
2024 stats (12 video games): 29 tackles

Simply 20 years previous, Phillips confirmed nice energy and quick arms in OL/DL drills. He was powerful to maneuver on run performs in group durations.

Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
Measurables: 5-10, 170 kilos
2024 stats (11 video games): 37 catches for 441 yards and a TD

Few, if any, prospects helped their draft inventory greater than Horn. All through the practices, he confirmed quickness, nice arms and a knack for creating separation.

Horn is small, and his underwhelming numbers at Colorado this previous season (WR4 by manufacturing) could have had him on the seventh-round bubble. However his exhibiting in Dallas could have solidified him as a Day 3 participant.

Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
Measurables: 6-8, 344 kilos
2024 stats (13 video games): 13 begins at left deal with

Possessing spectacular bodily traits, Pierce held his personal in pass-protection drills. His approach might use additional refinement as a taller offensive lineman, although.

Pierce had 26 begins at left deal with and 24 at proper deal with throughout his final 4 seasons at Rutgers, so he has swing deal with upside as a late-round prospect.

Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand labored for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Community, the place he was the Titans beat author for a 12 months and a half. He lined the Seattle Seahawks for SeattlePI.com for 3 seasons (2018-20) previous to transferring to Tennessee. You may comply with Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur.

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