Big Blue View
Let’s look at some players who helped themselves during East-West Shrine practices
The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl practices have officially wrapped up in Denton, Texas, where NFL scouts, coaches, and evaluators are getting an up-close look at some of the top draft prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. This week’s practices have been a critical opportunity for many players to improve their draft stock.
At 6-foot-1, 318 pounds, Phillips was one of the most dominant forces on the field this week. Known for his explosiveness off the line and powerful hand usage, Phillips consistently won one-on-one battles against offensive linemen. Despite not registering a sack during his college career, he showcased the kind of physicality and technique that should get him drafted high, potentially in the early rounds. His ability to hold his ground and be disruptive makes him a top defensive tackle prospect.
Roberts (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) was impressive throughout practice week with his combination of size and burst. He has a strong frame that allows him to walk offensive tackles back into the quarterback, while also showing quickness and disruption on inside moves. Roberts is turning heads as a potential early-round pick.
At 5-foot-11, 171 pounds, Bryant has been a standout cornerback for the East team, showing impressive physicality and aggressiveness in man coverage. His confidence and tough play have drawn comparisons to Jalen Ramsey, despite being on the smaller side. Bryant’s competitive nature and solid ball skills make him one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s Shrine Bowl.
McCord, who transferred from Ohio State to Syracuse for his senior year, may be the most physically gifted quarterback at the Shrine Bowl. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, McCord displayed excellent arm strength and the ability to throw with anticipation. He’s been especially accurate while moving in the pocket and has shown good decision-making skills. His improved play as a member of the Orange this season with 4,779 passing yards has helped elevate his draft stock, and he could now end up being a top-100 pick.
Hassanein, at 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds, impressed during pass rush drills with his burst and power off the edge. Though he lacks the flexibility some teams may want, his quickness and strength have been enough to challenge offensive linemen at the Shrine Bowl. He has been vocal and energetic, bringing a lot of intensity to the defensive line. His story is also noteworthy, having moved from Egypt to the U.S. and starting football in high school. Teams will appreciate his tenacity and upside as a pass rusher.
Meeks has been one of the top wide receivers in practice, using his size (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) and strong hands to win contested catches. He was frequently targeted by McCord during team drills, and his ability to...
