Draft Blog: Highlights of Shrine Bowl’s Second Day

The 2024 Shrine Bowl has proven to be a key event in the NFL draft process, offering scouts and coaches a first-hand look at the best college football prospects preparing for the NFL. The second day of the Shrine Bowl saw plenty of action, with players continuing to compete for attention as they aim to solidify their positions on draft boards.

Day two was filled with exciting moments, from standout individual performances to rising prospects who made their presence known. Whether through impressive drills, scrimmages, or physicality, the players put on a show that left many wondering who might be the next breakout star of the 2024 draft class.

The Quarterback Competition: Rising Stars and Big Arms

The quarterback position is always under the microscope during Shrine Bowl practices, and Day 2 offered an even better glimpse into the potential future stars of the NFL. Among the standout quarterbacks were Jaren Hall from BYU and Tyler Van Dyke from Miami, both of whom showed why they’re highly regarded in the draft community.

Jaren Hall continued his strong showing from Day 1, displaying a quick release and impressive mobility in the pocket. Hall’s ability to move outside the pocket, combined with his strong arm, was on full display during team drills. He threw multiple deep passes with excellent touch and accuracy, hitting receivers in stride on multiple occasions. Hall’s ability to lead his receivers and anticipate their breaks has drawn comparisons to mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson.

Tyler Van Dyke also made some noise, bouncing back from a down year at Miami. His Day 2 performance included impressive pocket awareness and an ability to throw on the run. Van Dyke showed that he has the arm strength to push the ball deep down the field, and scouts were impressed with his quick decisions and accuracy. His chemistry with his receivers, particularly on timing routes, was notable, and he looked poised and confident as he worked through drills.

While both quarterbacks showed flashes of what makes them intriguing prospects, the competition was tight. Many scouts still have questions about their consistency and decision-making under pressure, but they both helped elevate their draft stock with solid performances.

Wide Receiver Standouts: Speed, Separation, and Physicality

The wide receiver group in the 2024 Shrine Bowl has been one of the deepest in recent years, and Day 2 showcased several players who could quickly rise up draft boards. Xavier Hutchinson from Iowa State was one of the more impressive players, continuing his strong practices from Day 1. Hutchinson’s ability to separate from defenders, paired with his reliable hands and great route-running skills, helped him shine. His deep route running and ability to high-point the ball made him a favorite target during the team scrimmages. At 6’3”, he also has the size to be a red-zone threat at the next level, and his physicality after the catch was evident when he broke multiple tackles to gain additional yards.

Another standout was Puka Nacua from BYU, who was dynamic in short and intermediate routes. Nacua’s quickness off the line of scrimmage and ability to create separation with his explosive first step were clear assets, as he worked well in the slot. Nacua consistently created mismatches against defensive backs with his agility and quick footwork. His ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after the catch caught the attention of scouts who were looking for explosive playmakers. If Nacua can continue to refine his route tree and improve his consistency, he could be a late-round gem for a team looking for speed in the passing game.

Charlie Jones from Purdue also had a great Day 2, making an impact with his impressive footwork and quick releases at the line of scrimmage. His ability to read defenders and make cuts that leave them behind caught the attention of scouts. He was consistently able to create space on quick slants, digs, and comebacks. Jones is one of the more technically sound receivers in the group, and his natural separation ability may make him a valuable possession receiver in the NFL.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterbacks and Setting the Tone

The offensive line group was also one to watch on Day 2, as this year’s Shrine Bowl features a class of big, athletic linemen with great upside. Olusegun Olubi from Houston and John Ojukwu from Boise State were two names that continued to turn heads.

Olubi, known for his athleticism and strong fundamentals, had a dominant performance in one-on-one pass-rush drills. His quick feet and strength in anchoring against bull rushes allowed him to neutralize defenders trying to get by. He showed great balance, using his upper body to keep defenders at bay while keeping his feet under him, which is key for preventing sacks at the next level. His versatility to play both tackle and guard only boosts his stock.

Ojukwu, on the other hand, has been lauded for his physicality and versatility. A natural tackle, Ojukwu showed his quickness and the ability to adjust to speed rushers, keeping defenders from getting around him. His hand placement and strength in pass protection were clear assets as he helped keep his quarterbacks clean during scrimmages. If Ojukwu continues to refine his technique and consistency, his athleticism could make him an intriguing late-round pick.

Defensive Line: Disruptive Forces Ready to Get After the Quarterback

The defensive line group on Day 2 had plenty of impressive performances, with several players showing that they could be future disruptors in the NFL. Isaiah McGuire from Missouri and Adetomiwa Adebawore from Northwestern both had standout days, showing impressive burst off the line of scrimmage and relentless effort in scrimmages.

McGuire, standing at 6’4” and weighing 280 pounds, showed the power and agility to be an impact player at the next level. His ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays in the backfield was evident. McGuire’s length and flexibility allowed him to get around blockers with ease, and his motor never seemed to stop running. Whether rushing the passer or stopping the run, McGuire was a handful for opposing linemen.

Adebawore, with his quick first step and outstanding burst, was another defensive lineman that scouts were buzzing about. His combination of size and speed has made him an intriguing prospect. Adebawore had multiple pressures on the quarterback during scrimmages and flashed his ability to take on blockers while disengaging quickly. His hands were active and his agility around the edge was impressive for a player his size (6’2” and 280 pounds). He could be a versatile asset in any defensive front.

Linebackers: Sideline-to-Sideline Playmakers

On the defensive side of the ball, the linebackers were tasked with covering sideline-to-sideline, as well as helping in the pass rush. Ivan Pace Jr. from Cincinnati and Jack Campbell from Iowa were two players who stood out with their coverage skills and play recognition.

Pace, a dynamic linebacker who plays with a relentless motor, demonstrated his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and jump routes. He had a near-interception during the team scrimmage and was quick to fill gaps in the run game, showing off his leadership on the field. Pace’s ability to stay engaged in plays, whether rushing the quarterback or helping in pass coverage, was impressive.

Campbell, a big, physical linebacker at 6’5” and 250 pounds, showed great discipline in his reads and reaction time. He was able to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game while also using his size to dominate in run support. Campbell’s ability to be a force in both the run and passing game puts him in line to be a key asset for teams looking for an every-down linebacker.

Secondary: Quick, Smart, and Ready for the NFL

Finally, the defensive backs made their mark on Day 2, with players like Tyler Scott from Clemson and Julius Brents from Kansas State showcasing their abilities to lock down wide receivers and make plays on the ball.

Scott’s physicality in coverage was evident during drills, as he displayed a great understanding of route recognition and the ability to disrupt passes at the point of contact. His anticipation and ability to read the quarterback helped him break up several passes, and scouts are now buzzing about his potential as a future starting cornerback.

Brents has emerged as a strong, physical presence at cornerback. His ability to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, combined with his speed and ball skills, has him rapidly rising up draft boards. Brents’ ability to make plays on the ball in both man and zone coverage was particularly impressive.

 Day 2 Set the Stage for a Thrilling Draft

The second day of the Shrine Bowl highlighted some of the most promising prospects of the 2024 draft class. With standout performances from quarterbacks, receivers, defensive linemen, and secondary players, the day underscored why the Shrine Bowl has become such an essential part of the draft process. These players are continuing to show that they belong on the NFL stage, and scouts across the league will be watching intently as we get closer to April’s draft. With plenty of practice left, Day 2 proved that the 2024 class has depth and excitement that will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats.