FRISCO, Texas — The 101st edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off Tuesday night at the Ford Center near Dallas. And the rosters for this year’s event are as deep as they’ve been in some time.
Last year, NFL teams drafted 51 prospects who participated in the Shrine Bowl, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that number increase this spring. The 2026 group includes an especially talented group of defensive linemen, plus some very interesting skill players at receiver and running back.
Ahead of Tuesday night’s game (which airs at 7 p.m. ET on NFL Network), let’s take a look at a few players who stood out during Shrine Bowl practices.
One of four NCAA receivers to go over 100 catches last season, Bell (102) was outstanding during Friday’s practice, both in team drills and one-on-ones. An excellent route runner who uses his whole body to create separation, Bell showed great suddenness in and out of his breaks as a smooth and reliable target.
Bell (6 feet, 212 pounds) was also one of the fastest wide receivers on the field, hitting 20.1 miles per hour on the GPS. It was a great performance that could push him toward the top of Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) come the draft, and possibly into Day 2 (Rounds 2-3).
What a catch! 👀 Have a day Skyler Bell! 💪 pic.twitter.com/KABPGKY8PR
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) August 30, 2025
The fastest on-field running back at the Shrine Bowl and Navy’s all-time leading receiver, Heidenreich hit 20.01 MPH on the GPS and showed off his unique skill set throughout the event. An outstanding receiver with elite ball skills, Heidenreich probably projects as more of a third-down weapon in the NFL, but his versatility and ability to run routes from anywhere will make him intriguing to teams on Day 3.
He can win underneath or over the top, and he gets his hands on just about every throw near his orbit.
The 6-foot-5, 328-pound Jackson was one of the biggest athletes in Frisco this year. He measured in with 35-inch arms and an 86-inch wingspan to go along with 11-inch hands. A massive man with quick feet and active hands, Jackson was a consistent problem for interior linemen during one-on-ones.
Jackson was not as productive this season as he was in 2024, when he posted 30 pressures and five sacks. His size also makes it tough for him to maintain leverage. Still, he’s a very interesting interior prospect who could play in any scheme.
The best athlete among the edge prospects at Shrine this year, Lawrence (6-4, 247) led all defensive linemen with a GPS speed of 19.32 MPH. Lawrence also measured in with 33 4/8-inch arms and had little trouble during practice pass-rush drills.
Despite his athleticism, Lawrence is a bit light, which could impact his role as a full-package player in the NFL. However, his twitch and burst off the ball plus a solid bag of rush moves will give him a chance to be an NFL rush specialist.
One of the smallest players on the field, the 5-8, 195-pound Wetjen was a near-impossible cover during one-on-ones and the team periods. Wetjen’s performance reminded me of what we saw from Efton Chism here last winter. An undersized receiver from Eastern Washington, Chism went undrafted but then caught on with the Patriots.
Wetjen, who also provides special-teams value all over the place, could have a similar path. Don’t be surprised to hear about him giving defensive backs fits in a training camp come August.
Stout and powerful, Smith (6-1, 328) was a consistent problem for interior linemen, notably during run drills. He doesn’t have great length, which impacts how effective he can be as a pass rusher, but his burst and low center of gravity make him very difficult to move in the run game.
The Shrine Bowl put together a very good defensive line group this year — Smith, Jackson, NC State’s Brandon Cleveland and Texas A&M’s Albert Regis all had nice weeks.
Texas tight end Jack Endries may wind up as the highest-drafted Shrine Bowl tight end, but Raridon really helped himself in front of scouts. A big target at 6-5, 244 with 10 5/8-inch hands, Raridon consistently worked his way open over the middle during team periods and showed good hand strength at the catch point.
Raridon topped out at 19.2 miles per hour on the GPS, too, making him one of several fast-moving tight ends in Frisco. LSU’s Bauer Sharp (21.19) was actually the fastest player on the field, regardless of position.
At 6-8, 310 pounds with 33 3/8-inch arms, Rucci was one of the biggest tackles at the Shrine Bowl this year, and his work during pass-rush one-on-ones stood out. A former five-star prospect who’s a very nimble athlete for his size, Rucci plays with good burst, balance and recovery as a protector. His work in the run game can be a little light, but he definitely held his own on the edge in protection.
It was a similar story for Wisconsin OT Riley Mahlman, who registered as the most explosive offensive lineman at the Shrine Bowl.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Perkins is one of the most remarkable draft prospects in the country. He was a complete terror off the edge as a true freshman at 6-1, 222 before spending his last three seasons transitioning to stack linebacker. Perkins did some pass-rush work with the edges here, but he mostly worked in the stack. He showed off his elite burst and speed in coverage over and over, undercutting routes and getting his hands on throws most linebackers wouldn’t have gotten to.
He’s obviously small, but he’s very intriguing.
It was also a good week for Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York, as well as for Louisiana’s Jaden Dugger (6-4, 240).
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik likely will be the highest-drafted Shrine Bowl quarterback, but this was a strong event for Gronowski, who played hurt during a very up-and-down season. Gronowski did look healthy — and played well — in Iowa’s bowl against over Vanderbilt to close the season, and he was able to carry that momentum into Shrine week.
He is extremely interesting at 6-2, 235 with great athleticism and an ability to do damage as a scrambler. Gronowski’s arm, though, was the main event in Texas, as he was comfortable and consistent delivering downfield shots in team periods. Gronowski is a very good athlete and an intriguing prospect, to be sure.
Mark Gronowski: A Triple Threat! 🤯
Passing TD – Rushing TD – RECEIVING TD pic.twitter.com/cE959SptxX
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 15, 2025
Morris flashed some dominant power in both run and pass protection during one-on-ones at the padded practices. He checked in at 6-4, 346 with 33 3/8-inch arms and an 83 1/8-inch wingspan, and he showcased an anchor in pass pro that looked effortless at times. He is a giant human.
The former Georgia standout played right and left guard in college, which means he could provide an NFL team with some versatility and the requisite amount of power inside. Morris feels like he’s near the top of Day 3 right now.
Other standouts: Brian Parker II, IOL, Duke; Jager Burton, IOL, Kentucky; Chase Roberts, WR, BYU; DJ Campbell, IOL, Texas; Brent Austin, CB, Cal; Eric Gentry, LB, USC
