2023 East-West Shrine Bowl: West Team Game Notes
Don’t ask me why the East-West Shrine Bowl is during the same week as the Senior Bowl. Don’t ask me why the East-West practices aren’t televised. It’s a total travesty and makes no sense, but again we work with the cards that are dealt.
Historically speaking the East-West game sends far fewer players to the NFL than the Senior Bowl does. With that in mind, we’re not going to go super crazy here. For the West Team game notes, we’re going to spot things you should keep in the back of your mind when the 2023 NFL Draft eventually arrives. Let’s not waste any more time and get to what you need to know!
Side note: The Hulu stream at the house crashed with seven minutes to go. I am beyond tired so we’re sending it through now. The game at that time was currently 9-3 with no touchdowns. Bad QB play had something to do with it.
Quarterbacks:
Not exactly what I was hoping for out of Dorion Thompson-Robinson. Threw a ball that should have been picked. DB read it the whole way. It just still feels like he doesn’t totally know what he’s doing yet. His ball kinda dies at the end sometimes. More of an arm thrower. It’s weird because the pure arm talent is there. You can see there’s untapped ability in there. Game against USC was impressive even if their defense stinks. Will be able to run at the next level but is it enough? Still misses layups. 7/16 for 95 yards of up and down is what I saw.
Chase Brice throw a horrible pick on an overthrow after initially escaping pressure. Not a great impression.
Running Backs:
Xazavian Valladay looks like the best running back in this game. Not a world beater but at least had some shake to him. Looks similar to Rachaad White last year actually. Isn’t an A talent, but one cut and go. Doesn’t mess around and picks his spot. 10 carries for 69 yards is nice!
Wide Receivers:
Can I just say that I like Bryce Ford-Wheaton? That’s all. No, he’s not a superstar. I do see him battle and make circus catches. The leaps are noticeable. What’s the route running? What’s the speed? That’s the question.
Offensive Line:
West team was running the ball well on the first drive. UCLA (Atonio Mafi) and Washington’s Henry Bainivalu popped at first glance. Run game was way worse on the second drive without them. Just saying.
Defensive Line:
Leo Titus on Wagner actually had some plays. Getting after it on the edge. Has some pipes on him. Pulling out spin moves on occasion. They are flashes but I am making a note of them. That is all.
Pitt is usually pretty good at carving out these defensive lineman. Keep an eye out for Habakkuk Baldonado. Looked impressive in the run game. Really pushing the pocket.
Linebackers:
Mohamoud Diabate looks fantastic. All over the place. Looks like he has some natural blitz ability. Is running sideline to sideline. Can tackle and the burst is noticeable.
Shaka Heyward of Duke had the pick that got called back. Even had a pretty nice return on it as well. A linebacker that can catch and run?
Cornerbacks:
Nic Jones terrible holding flag that prevented a pick. He later made up for it picking off the Fordham quarterback. Overall he looked pretty good in coverage.
Safeties:
Trey Dean! Great game by him. Tackled well. Got a pick on a deflection. Love to see those ball skills.
