Analyzing the Auburn Tigers’ representatives for the next East-West Shrine Bowl

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, college football players from around the nation are looking for ways to increase their stock and solidify their chances of being drafted. One of the key opportunities for players to showcase their skills to NFL scouts and executives is through the East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the oldest and most prestigious postseason all-star games. The game has long been a valuable platform for college players looking to make the jump to the NFL, and for the Auburn Tigers, this year’s event is especially significant as several of their players have been invited to participate.

The East-West Shrine Bowl has served as a key event for NFL teams to evaluate talent, particularly players who may not have been on the national radar but have strong potential. Auburn, a program with a rich football history, has always produced talented athletes, and the representatives selected for the game are no exception. This year, a few Auburn players have earned the honor of being selected to showcase their skills on a national stage, giving them a crucial opportunity to prove they belong in the NFL.

In this analysis, we will break down the profiles of Auburn’s key players who are slated to participate in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. We will explore their college careers, strengths, and how their skill sets could translate to the professional level. Additionally, we will look at the impact of their participation in this prestigious game and what it means for Auburn football as a program.

The East-West Shrine Bowl: A Platform for NFL Prospects

The East-West Shrine Bowl, founded in 1925, is an annual college football all-star game that showcases some of the best and brightest prospects eligible for the NFL Draft. Unlike the Senior Bowl, which tends to feature many of the top prospects from Power 5 schools, the East-West Shrine Bowl has often been a venue for under-the-radar players looking to impress NFL scouts.

Over the years, many players who have gone on to have successful NFL careers, including Hall of Famers such as Jerry Rice, John Elway, and Brett Favre, have played in the Shrine Bowl. The game’s importance cannot be understated, as it offers players the chance to work with professional coaches, be evaluated by NFL scouts, and gain national exposure that could lead to increased draft stock.

For Auburn, having players in the Shrine Bowl is a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent and provide opportunities for players to succeed at the next level. Several players from Auburn have participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl in past years, and this year’s representatives hope to follow in their footsteps by making an impression.

Auburn’s 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl Participants

1. Avery Jones – Offensive Lineman

Avery Jones is one of the most experienced and dependable members of the Auburn Tigers’ offensive line. He was a steady presence in the trenches throughout his college career, showcasing his versatility and ability to protect the quarterback. A strong, physical presence in both run blocking and pass protection, Jones played a key role in Auburn’s offensive line unit, which was consistently among the better lines in the SEC.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 320 pounds, Jones has the ideal size for an NFL offensive lineman. His ability to anchor against powerful defenders and protect the quarterback’s blind side will be highly valued by NFL scouts. His experience at both guard and center during his Auburn tenure also adds value to his stock, as versatility along the offensive line is always in high demand in the NFL.

One of Jones’ key strengths is his intelligence and his understanding of blocking schemes. He has a quick first step off the snap and has developed a strong technique when it comes to hand placement and footwork. However, one area where he will need to show improvement during the Shrine Bowl week is his lateral movement, particularly when it comes to handling speed rushers from the edge. If he can prove that his mobility can improve at the next level, he could be an intriguing developmental prospect for NFL teams.

Jones’ ability to thrive in one-on-one situations against defensive linemen will be closely monitored by scouts, and his performance in the Shrine Bowl will go a long way in determining whether he’s seen as a day-two or day-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

2. Derick Hall – Edge Rusher

Derick Hall is arguably one of the most intriguing players from Auburn heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The edge rusher from Auburn has all the physical tools that NFL scouts covet in a pass rusher. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 256 pounds, Hall has the frame and explosiveness to be an impactful player at the next level. Over his career at Auburn, Hall was a consistent presence in opposing quarterbacks’ backfields, recording 9.5 sacks in his senior season and constantly pressuring opposing offenses.

Hall’s primary strength is his speed and explosiveness off the edge. His first step is quick, and he has an array of moves to get past offensive tackles. Whether it’s a bull rush, swim move, or speed rush, Hall can get around blockers and get after the quarterback. His ability to close on the quarterback and his relentless motor make him a dangerous threat in passing situations.

However, like many college edge rushers, Hall will need to refine his pass-rush technique and develop a more well-rounded skill set to compete at the NFL level. While his athleticism is undeniable, his hand placement, counter moves, and overall pass-rush moves will be critical in making the jump to the pros. The Shrine Bowl will offer him a chance to show that he can handle top-tier competition and prove that his ability to get after the quarterback will translate to the next level.

NFL teams are always looking for edge rushers who can generate pressure consistently, and Hall’s performance during the Shrine Bowl will likely solidify his standing as a mid-round draft prospect. If he shows improvements in his technique and demonstrates that he can defend the run as well as rush the passer, Hall could push for a second- or third-round selection.

3. Tank Bigsby – Running Back

One of Auburn’s most electrifying players over the past few seasons has been running back Tank Bigsby. A three-year starter for the Tigers, Bigsby has consistently been a dominant force in Auburn’s running game. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and showcase vision in the open field has made him one of the top running backs in college football. At 6’0″ and 213 pounds, Bigsby has the ideal size for an NFL running back, and his mix of power and speed make him an exciting prospect.

In his final season at Auburn, Bigsby rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level in one of the toughest conferences in the country. His running style is both patient and aggressive, often waiting for holes to develop before using his burst to explode through them. He also possesses a strong stiff-arm and is difficult to bring down in the open field.

While Bigsby’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact has been well-documented, NFL teams will want to see his ability to excel in the passing game. Although he has been a competent receiver out of the backfield, he will need to show more refinement in his route running and hands during the Shrine Bowl. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiving option could significantly enhance his draft stock, especially in a league that increasingly values running backs who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Additionally, Bigsby’s blocking ability will be something to watch during Shrine Bowl practices. If he can demonstrate that he can effectively protect the quarterback on passing downs, that will further boost his draft stock. With running back depth being so important in today’s NFL, Bigsby’s all-around skill set could make him a valuable addition to any team looking for a versatile ball carrier.

4. Kiaser Williams – Linebacker

Kiaser Williams is an underrated linebacker who has flown under the radar but is making his case for the NFL during his senior year at Auburn. Williams has been a steady contributor for the Tigers’ defense, known for his athleticism, ability to cover ground, and instincts in run support. At 6’2″ and 240 pounds, Williams has the ideal size for an NFL linebacker, and his ability to cover both the run and the pass makes him an intriguing prospect.

Williams has shown the ability to be effective in coverage, both in man-to-man and zone schemes. He has the agility to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, a skill that will be highly valued in the NFL, where linebackers are increasingly required to be versatile defenders. His pursuit of the ball and tackling ability are also strong, although his recognition of offensive schemes could improve to take his game to the next level.

At the Shrine Bowl, Williams will have the opportunity to showcase his ability to cover more ground and defend against high-level competition. If he can impress with his coverage skills, he could make a strong case to be drafted as a linebacker who can play on all three downs, an increasingly valuable commodity in the NFL.

The Impact of the Shrine Bowl on Auburn’s NFL Prospects

The East-West Shrine Bowl represents a significant opportunity for Auburn’s representatives to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts and executives. The chance to compete against some of the top players from across the nation is a crucial part of their draft evaluations. For players like Derick Hall, Tank Bigsby, and Avery Jones, the Shrine Bowl gives them the platform to demonstrate their skills, improve their draft stock, and possibly even push themselves into higher rounds than previously expected.

Auburn’s involvement in the Shrine Bowl also reflects the program’s continued success in developing NFL talent. The Tigers have produced several NFL stars over the years, and the presence of these players in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl is a reminder of the program’s ability to compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl will be an important event for Auburn’s NFL prospects as they look to leave their mark before the NFL Draft. For Derick Hall, Tank Bigsby, Avery Jones, and Kiaser Williams, the game is an opportunity to shine on the national stage, increase their draft stock, and solidify their place in the NFL. With their individual skill sets and the potential to make an impact at the next level, these Auburn players are positioning themselves for success in the 2025 NFL Draft.