Arkansas' Jarius Wright will be hoping to impress scouts
This week the East-West Shrine game takes place in St. Petersburg with several players worth keeping an eye on. The game is on Saturday but there’s a series of practises during the week, so it’s an opportunity for certain prospects to impress that are currently flying under the radar. I’ve highlighted some of the names I’ll be monitoring this week:
Nicolas Jean-Baptiste (DT, Baylor)
Nose tackle with terrific size. He struggled to have an impact on a weak Baylor defense, but he has legitimate pro-potential and could be a key riser during the off-season.
Chandler Harnish (QB, Northern Illinois)
Has an opportunity to really boost his stock by performing well here. Intelligent as a passer, capable of making a lot of different throws and offers real value as a runner. Measured at 6014 and 219lbs, 32 1/4 arms, 9 1/4 hands and a 76 1/2 wing span.
B.J. Cunningham (WR, Michigan State)
Flashed a number of times during the last two seasons but he’s inconsistent, bit of a ‘boom or bust’ type. He was listed at just 6013 and 209lbs during weigh-ins.
Brandon Lindsey (OLB, Pittsburgh)
Capable pass rusher and one to watch from a Seahawks perspective. Consistent production with 18.5 sacks the last two years, could be an option to transition to the WILL.
Austin Davis (QB, Southern Miss)
Underrated prospect who measured at 6013 and 218lbs, 31 3/4 inch arms, 10 1/8 hands, 75 1/4 wing span. He’s a machine in the red zone and very efficient overall, with the experience of controlling an offense.
A.J. Jenkins (WR, Illinois)
Productive receiver who stood out in 2011. Lacks prototypical size and was listed at 6001 and just 192lbs, but he plays above those physical restrictions.
B.J. Coleman (QB, Chattanooga)
Came in at 6-3 and 234lbs and has a lot of physical potential. Could end up being this years version of John Skelton.
Blake Gideon (S, Texas)
Not a terrific physical specimen but has a natural feel for the game and could have some special teams value. Well coached coming from the Texas secondary.
John Brantley (QB, Florida)
Perhaps the biggest name among the quarterbacks, but Tim Tebow’s replacement in Florida never showed enough as a starter. Mediocre prospect with middling ability.
Greg Childs (WR, Arkansas)
Hampered by injuries but now close to 100% health, this is a real opportunity for Childs to show off his obvious pro-talent. Big, fast and when healthy he looks the part.
Jarius Wright (WR, Arkansas)
Always exciting receiver prospect who made a number of big plays for Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson. Should be at the Senior Bowl.
Matt Reynolds (OT, BYU)
Came into the year completely over rated by the national media. His future lies at guard and he will struggle against the speed rush if tried at tackle here.
DaJohn Harris (DT, USC)
Useful against the run and understands leverage, will get low and has been effective for the Trojans. Minimal pass rush threat.
Looking forward to seeing Harnish and Davis this game, and semi-interested in seeing Childs to see if he is a killer threat.
Good format to see these guys perform in a fresh and new setting to see how they react.
Rob,
Seahawks Addicts is reporting that the coin flip has taken place and Kansas City won the coin toss. I can’t find anything on this. Have you heard anything?
Don’t forget to watch Devon Wiley from Fresno State. He has legitimate Ricardo Lockette speed but with awesome hands, Welker-esque route running ability and is quite formidable as a returner on special teams.
USAFANARC – Seahawk Addicts is quoting WalterFootball.com, who I think are just mocking the scenario that KC wins the toss for the purpose of their mocks. The flip hasn’t been made yet and will take place at the combine.
seattlesetters – Nice shout, we’ll keep an eye out.
Rob – If I’m not mistaken, Wiley has been clocked at 4.27 a time or two on a good timing system by competent scouts and coaches.
After a little more study, I want to know more about the cat from Chattanooga:
BJ Coleman!
I saw on other sites that some people felt like was was making all the other QB’s look weak.
hmmmm