Though the Senior Bowl is the bell of the ball in terms of All-Star games, the other games have showcased future NFL talent who have helped themselves. From the Shrine Bowl to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to even the Hula and Tropical Bowls, there are plenty to gather in and assess. These all-star bowl games allow players to step out of their environment, get NFL style coaching, and show they have a full NFL skillset. Here are my Stock Ups from the non-Senior Bowl All-Star Games.
Stock Up
Keaontay Ingram, RB, Southern Cal
Maybe the biggest riser out of the Shrine Bowl was Ingram. The Southern Cal RB who originally played a number of years at Texas showcased his pass catching chops throughout the week. It’s a bit ironic after Ingram’s college football legacy was marred by a terrible drop, but he was the best pass catching RB out of any who participated in all the minor all-star games. He also can run with a full head of steam. Ingram played his way into getting drafted late.
Cole Kelley, QB, SE Louisiana
If I included a Stock Down on this list, almost all the QBs would be there. Below the Senior Bowl, the QB play just wasn’t great. Thankfully, Kelley has been playing the All-Star circuit and had excellent games at the Hula Bowl and NFLPA game. After an inconsistent season, Kelley seemed to take to the coaching and make all the throws. His big size and arm should be coveted in the NFL as a developmental Day 3 pick, so expect him to be drafted.
AJ Arcuri, OT, Michigan State
Arcuri is another Hula Bowl to NFLPA pipeline who stood out in both games. After a solid season of run blocking, Arcuri showed some progress in pass blocking at the Hula Bowl. He dominated pass rushers and got a good push. Stepping up into the NFLPA practices, Arcuri continued a great run. He played his way into draftable range in a power scheme with some real starter upside.
Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest
Tom has had a solid career at Wake Forest, but he was never overwhelming as a blocker. The Shrine Bowl was a big opportunity to show what he could do. After showing some great reps in pass rushing drills, Tom got moved around a bit. He even played a bit of Center for the first time and did well getting his head up after the snap and engaging. If Tom has potential at all 5 spots, he becomes a much important asset. With good feet and lower body strength, look for this riser to even get early Day 3 consideration.
Ali Fayad, DL, Western Michigan
Fayad is my absolute winner of Shrine week. Playing from a pass rushing LB spot, Fayad was deadly always getting to the edge with great bend. He ripped with his arms so well that tackles couldn’t get their kick slide out enough to stop him. There was even one 11-on-11 rep where he spun inside and would have had a sack. Fayad has a deadly motor, great first step, and tenacity. He is underrated right now and could find himself into the Top 150.
Quentin Lake, S, UCLA
Lake is a player that should have gotten a Senior Bowl invite. Though he isn’t as fast or athletic, Lake can is a great in the box safety to help in the run game. At the Shrine Bowl, he flashed some coverage ability too 1-on-1 against TEs. The son of former NFL player Carnell Lake, Quentin has some versatility and showed he can be a rotational safety at the NFL level.
Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor & Kyle Phillips, WR, UCLA
The Pac-12 WRs shined during Shrine week. Thornton came in a little small at the Shrine Bowl weigh-in at only 177 pounds, but he practiced like he was 200 pounds. Thornton was making crazy contested catches all week, even when passes were off the mark. Though he didn’t get great separation, Thornton showed off great ball skills and physicality. He is an intriguing Day 3 prospect who has some special teams ability too.
Phillips was dominant throughout practices with great separation. Though he didn’t play in the game, he did enough to establish himself as an early Day 3 pick with upside for more. The ability to play slot or play outside if huge for him in the NFL. He is a major riser.
Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
The big pass catcher came in at 6-7, 259 pounds at the Shrine Bowl weigh-in. He was unstoppable all week with long arms and a big catch radius to catch inaccurate passes. Woods also showed some blocking prowess as he improved his foot work and hand placement throughout the week. A big upside TE who could go early Day 3, Woods is a physical specimen.
Grant Morgan, LB, Arkansas
Another NFLPA Collegiate Bowl stand out, Morgan stood out in his reaction time and abilities during the NFLPA practices. He plays downhill and showed some good change of direction explosion. He also appeared to be a vocal leader during practices getting the guys pumped up. He is an intriguing Day 3 special teamer who could plug in as a 2-down thumper as needed.
Keyshon Camp, DL, Pittsburgh
Not much coverage of the Tropical Bowl, but one player who stood out in the game was Camp. He was a rotational player for the Panthers this year, but flashed some good leverage and hand usage in the Tropical Bowl game. Though not a draftable prospect, Camp should find his way into a camp this offseason and try to make a practice squad.
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