2017 East-West Shrine Game: West Team Defensive Notes

The annual East-West Shrine Game often times is overlooked for all the wrong reasons. Every year there are about 3-4 guys who really stand out at the East-West Shrine Game and go on to have productive NFL careers. The West team defeated the East 10-3 in a low scoring affair. In this article, we will go over defensive players who stood out for better or worse on the West Team. As we get closer to the NFL Draft process which one of these players should you keep your eye on moving forward?

Defensive Lineman:

Josh Topou was the heart and soul of the defensive line for the West team. The 345-pound nose tackle did a terrific job in stopping the run as the East team could never get the running game going. Expect 3-4 teams to target this guy as a potential one gap penetrator. Deatrich Wise was a guy I thought would have a nice game but he showed up even better than I anticipated. Wise wrecked havoc and found his way pressuring the quarterback on what seemed like every snap. The Arkansas product could be a really nice developmental 5 technique as he has a ton of raw power.

Linebackers:

Every team has a different philosophy when it comes to picking linebackers. The common trend now is to go with an undersized speedy linebacker on the outside. That’s exactly what Paul McGloire represents from Arizona. The 227-pound linebacker flies around the field and is extremely athletic. McGloire is the son of former NBA player Jamaal McGloire. The next guy is also undersized. Darius English from South Carolina looks like a blitz only specialist that is often times brought on 3rd downs in obvious passing situations. Guys like this usually don’t hold up well in the run game but he is on the team for one reason, go hunt that quarterback.

Defensive Backs:

A pair of UCLA defensive backs stood out to me in a big way. Fabian Moreau is arguably the best player at the Shrine game and his draft stock rose in a big way. The East team flat out refused to throw the ball to his side of the field. When they did he looked so effortless in coverage breaking up both passes thrown his way. Moreau will probably be the highest player taken in the Shrine game with a 2nd or 3rd round grade. His teammate Randall Goforth is sort of a tweener between corner and safety. Players like him are crucial in nickel and dime passing schemes where you can line this guy up anywhere on the field. Both players have excellent range and have bright NFL futures.