East-West Shrine Game: Dynasty Names to Know

East-West Shrine Game: Dynasty Names to Know

The East-West Shrine has been around for 87 years and even though it is viewed as a second-tier game when compared to the Senior Bowl, it has always produced a name or two that has gone on to be successful in the NFL. Last year’s emerging talent was Alfred Morris, Jarius Wright, A.J. Jenkins, Blair Walsh and Greg Zuerlein. There is good amount of talent at the skill positions in this year’s game meaning potential value for dynasty fantasy football owners.

The Shrine Game will take place Saturday, January 19 at 4 p.m. ET and will be televised on NFL Network. While you’re watching the game, here are some names to keep an eye on:

QB Matt Scott(Arizona): Scott seems to be a system quarterback as he thrives in the read-option style offense. He has a great spiral and a strong arm, but his accuracy is all over the place. Scott won’t hesitate to tuck the ball and run, yet has decent pocket presence.Very small frame, yet he is very tough.Will have to be drafted into the right system/offense and used properly to be productive in the NFL.

QB Collin Klein(Kansas State): Obviously one of the bigger “names” at the Shrine game. He is a tough runner,  similar to Matt Scott and is a read-option style quarterback. His throwing strength and accuracy must improve or he may have to be willing to switch positions. Klein is a major project that has gotten a lot of comparisons to Tim Tebow.

RB Ray Graham (Pittsburgh):By far the best running back in this game. Graham has some of the best cuts, and will make multiple defenders miss. Had some injuries in 2011 and seems to have lost a bit of speed, but he will still be a productive back. It also doesn’t hurt that PITT has that great running back pedigree (Lesean McCoy, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Dion Lewis)

RB Zac Stacy (Vanderbilt):Stacey is a small, compact power back with a “no fear” style of running, despite his diminutive size. He is also not afraid to block, but needs to improve his pass-protection. Has had some injuries in the past, but will probably  be drafted in the later rounds. Compares similar to Mike Tolbert.

RB Christine Michael(Texas A&M): The former Aggie is a pretty balanced running back. He’s a straight-ahead runner with moderate speed. Michael’s balance allows him to pick up an extra yard or two on every play. Can pass-block, but didn’t catch many passess in his college career. The big question with him is his durability, and with his injury history can he last in the NFL?

WR Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech) avis has the perfect receiver build (6’4″ 232) to  go up and get highly-thrown balls. He is also not a body-catcher which is a huge plus. Davis lacks speed as well as explosiveness in his routes, but can break tackles when he has the ball. Needs to improve on his blocking as well, but overall Davis flashes enough talent to warrant being drafted.

WR Corey Fuller (Virginia Tech): This former track-star is still getting used to the position, as he has only played for two years. He has good measurables and great hands. Fuller needs to improve on a lot of his game, but his flashes of potential given such a small resume will intrigue coaches and scouts.

WR Tyrone Goard( Eastern Kentucky): Good build, but more of a speed receiver. Seems to only run vertical routes. Goard will need to improve the amount of successful routes he can run, or have his speed utilized correctly in the right system to make it in the NFL.

WR Jasper Collins(Mount Union): The Mount Union pedigree for receiver has been good, producing the likes of Cecil Shorts and Pierre Garcon as of late, and Collins could be next in line. Collins lacks speed and struggles with separation, but makes up for that with smooth route running, his willingness to block down field and the toughness to catch passes across the middle of the field. His size may limit him to a slot receiver role.

WR Keenan Davis(Iowa): Davis has the build of a starting outside receiver, but actually plays better through the middle of the field on short routes. He will use his jumping ability and body-control to take advantage of defenders across the middle. May end up being the best wide receiver in the Shrine game and could be a steal in the later rounds of the NFL draft.

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