Top 5 Defensive Players To Watch At 2017 East-West Shrine Game

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 Shrine game and go on to have productive NFL careers. This year Javon Hargrave is a perfect example of this who has been really productive in the playoffs for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hargrave was unblockable in the East-West game a year ago. Where would the Steelers be without Hargrave’s impact along the Steelers defensive line? Scouting becomes crucial this time of year. Who are five names to watch during this year’s East-West Game?

1. Trey Hendrickson – DE (Florida Atlantic)

Hey look he has the same name as me! Hendrickson is the prototypical 4-3 defensive end who has quick hands that bode well for pass rushing. Hendrickson had 8.5 sacks this year showing some potential. From everything, I saw he won a ton of one on one matchups during the week of practices. After grading out as the 3rd best pass rusher in the country according to Pro Football Focus, this is a guy that has started to make a name for himself.

2. Nate Harrison – CB (Temple)

Last year Temple had Tavon Young selected in the 4th round and played extremely well this year for the Ravens. This year Harrison has a chance to do the same as he has looked good so far down at the practices. The guy looks relentless in cover. The Temple guys always have an extra edge to them.

3. Jadar Johnson – S (Clemson)

Johnson was an important part of the National Champion Clemson defense. Jadar recorded 7 tackles and a forced fumble in the National Championship game. He has great instincts and really can be the quarterback of any secondary. The only real knock on the guy is he isn’t going to give you big interception numbers as he has dropped a few easy ones during Clemson games I’ve watched.

4. Deatrich Wise – DE (Arkansas)

A few years ago Trey Flowers caught my eye as an Arkansas 4-3 defensive end. Now he has become one of the best players for the Patriots defense. Now it’s Wise turn to try to do the same. He is a very raw pass rusher who has great power and holds up in the run game very well. The problem is that he will need to be developed. Wise had just 2 sacks on the year but this is a guy who could be something special one day.

5. Channing Stribling – CB (Michigan)

Everyone is looking for a long corner. Enter Stribling who is 6’2″ posting extremely long arms. Michigan perhaps had the best secondary in the entire country and for whatever reason, no one seems to give this guy any credit. Stribling was the 3rd graded corner in the country according to Pro Football Focus and he ranked 6th in pass breakups on the season. When you look for guys at the Shrine game who were overlooked for all the wrong reasons, Stribling is your guy.