2019 East-West Shrine Game: Stock Report
By Charlie Campbell – @draftcampbell
2019 NFL Draft Stock Up
Chris Slayton, DT, Syracuse Slayton was probably the best player at the East-West Shrine. Slayton dominated in the pass rushing one-on-ones using speed, leverage and strength to consistently get the better of the offensive linemen. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Slayton has shown the ability to play a variety of techniques on the defensive line with versatility to fit any NFL defense. Slayton does a fantastic job of staying low and playing with good leverage while also utilizing the length that comes with his frame. Slayton had 24 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2018.
Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls Pipkins is in the running with Syracuse defensive tackle Chris Slayton as the best player at this year’s East-West Shrine. The 6-foot-7, 307-pound Pipkins has good length and a nice build to him. He showed nice feet in the position drills while also using his size, length and strength to tie up edge rushers in the pass rushing one-on-ones. Pipkins has a big jump in competition, but after some developmental time as a backup, he could be a starter. After his strong week in St. Petersburg, team sources said they thought that he would be a second- or third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Terry Godwin, WR, Georgia Godwin made money at the East-West Shrine with some impressive practices and a strong showing in the game. He ate up the cornerbacks in the one-on-ones as they were incapable of running with him. Godwin is a dangerous route-runner, as he explodes out of his breaks and generates separation. After gaining a step, his speed is too much to handle, as he would pull away from corners. He could be a good slot receiver in the NFL, using speed and route-running to get quick separation. With his strong performance through this week, Godwin could be on his way to turning himself into a mid-round prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Tre Watson, LB, Maryland Watson had a solid week of practice and really stood out for his run defense skills. Watson led the Big 10 in tackles last year, and his prowess as a run defender is obvious. He is quick to read his keys and gets in position to make stops near the line of scrimmage. He has the size to stay at middle linebacker in the NFL, and he also could be an asset on special teams. Once Watson improves his pass coverage skills, he could be a contributor that ends up being a nice value pick.
Olisaemeka Udoh, OT, Elon One of the most impressive players in the offensive versus defensive line one-on-ones was Elon tackle Olisaemeka Udoh. He really impressed with his strong anchor, upper body strength and heavy hands. His heavy hands made it very tough for defensive linemen to shed his blocks. The 6-foot-5, 336-pound Udoh has good size for tackle or guard in the NFL. He will need to work on his feet and improve his ability to handle speed rushers, but he has the potential to be a pro offensive lineman with an NFL build. In speaking to team sources, they think that Udoh has the potential to stay at tackle in the NFL. They feel that he could be a fourth- or fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after his impressive week at the East-West Shrine. Udoh’s strong performance earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison Moreland helped himself at the East-West Shrine showing the ability to compete. Team sources say that they liked the gritty style of play from Moreland and felt he had good instincts. They feel that he has size limitations for the NFL and also have some questions about his ability to run with speed receivers. However, Moreland really competed well at the top of the route and was able to keep receivers close with quick reaction skills. Moreland could have gone from being an undrafted free agent to a day-three pick after his strong week in St. Petersburg.
Keaton Sutherland, G, Texas A&M Sutherland (6-5, 315) has good size to him and shows impressive feel and awareness. During the week, Sutherland showed improvement over the course of the practices and finished the week with a strong session on Wednesday. In the team scrimmage at right guard, he had his defensive tackle blocked and wisely looked to his right to grab and shove the defensive end who was about to dart by the right tackle. Sutherland did a nice job of contributing to holes and protecting his quarterback during the team scrimmage. He held his own in the one-on-ones as well. Sutherland had a really impressive rep riding Kansas tackle Daniel Wise around the quarterback marker as he had the tackle on roller-skates. Sutherland is a sleeper to keep an eye on.
Lanard Bonner, G, Arkansas State There are some scouts who like Bonner and think he could be a day-three developmental player. While he lost some reps to Mack, Bonner looked nasty in one play as he rocked Arkansas defensive tackle Armon Watts to his knees and then knocked his helmet off with a hard shove. Bonner (6-5, 315) should play guard in the NFL and he could be a nice day-three pick who turns into something in a few years.
Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M Mack played well during all three practice sessions, and he had his way with the opposing offensive linemen. Mack was clearly the star of the West practice on Monday. In the run scrimmage, Mack was exceptional. He was tough to move eating up blockers, stuffing holes and swallowing up backs at the line of scrimmage. In the pass-rushing one-on-ones, Mack used his explosive quickness to get into blockers and then his strength to push them aside.
For years with the Aggies, Mack would flash some special ability, but he was a rotational player because of bad work ethic and not staying on top of his conditioning to take on a lot of snaps. Mack still needs to improve his conditioning, but he showed that he has a good skill set with quickness, pad level, power and a strong base. Mack illustrated that he is a talented player, and he earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl after practicing well for three days.
2019 NFL Draft Stock Down
Easton Stick, QB, North Dakota State Entering the East-West Shrine, there was some media hype about Stick being an underrated and good NFL quarterback prospect, but that contention was hurt by Stick struggling in St. Petersburg. He had some poor ball placement on a number of throws. A few were very bad, and Stick had a very rough practice on Tuesday. He was fortunate that he had an interception dropped by Northwestern cornerback Montre Hartage. Later in the team scrimmage, Stick showed bad field vision, as he threw pass right to Wyoming safety Andrew Wingard, as if Wingard was the intended receiver. Wingard was sitting in zone coverage without a receiver near him, so it was not clear what Stick was trying to do on that throw. Stick is coming from a big jump in competition, so he could need more developmental time.
WalterFootball.com will have more recaps from the East-West Shrine practices on Tuesday and Wednesday along with a run-down of the post-practice team interviews. Follow @walterfootball for updates.
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Stock Report - 1/19
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Wednesday's West Team Practice Report - 1/16
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Wednesday's West Team Interviews - 1/16
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Wednesday's East Team Practice Report - 1/16
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Wednesday's East Team Interviews - 1/16
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Tuesday's West Team Practice Report - 1/15
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Tuesday's West Team Interviews - 1/15
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Tuesday's East Team Practice Report - 1/15
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Tuesday's East Team Interviews - 1/15
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Monday's West Team Practice Report - 1/14
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Monday's East Team Practice Report - 1/14
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Monday's West Team Interviews - 1/14
2019 East-West Shrine Game: Monday's East Team Interviews - 1/14
2019 East-West Shrine Game Home Page
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