Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images
By John Sarianides
The East West Shrine game was a dud but despite the lack of scoring or entertainment for that matter, there were five players that really stood out to me.
1. Trey Hendrickson, DE Florida Atlantic: Hendrickson was the best player on the field on either team in my opinion. He had a good week of practice and he followed that up with a solid performance in the game. He showed good first step quickness, strong hands and an ability to play down the line of scrimmage.
Hendrickson still needs to work on his pass rush skills. He relies too much on his bull rush and counter moves but once he develops as a pass rusher, he will be a good player. He reminds of Paul Kruger.
2. Elijah McGuire, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette: Offense was hard to come by in this game but I was impressed with McGuire and how he ran the football. McGuire ran with a good pad level, showed quick feet at the line of scrimmage and an ability to separate at the second level. McGuire is shifty in space. He can make defenders miss.
McGuire ran the ball 7 times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Despite limited carries, he was impressive. I would like to see more out of him in the passing game. The skill is there for him to be an effective receiver and blocker.
3. Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA: Moreau followed up a good week of practice with a solid performance. He displayed good ball skills on a couple of pass break-ups and showed the ability to play match up man to man and maintain proper position when trailing. I agree with the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah that Moreau could go in the first round.
At 6-0 205, he has the size NFL coaches look for and he runs a 4.39 forty yard dash. Cornerback needy teams like the Green Bay Packers could be willing to take a chance on him in the bottom for the first round.
4. Deatrich Wise Jr., DE, Arkansas: Wise had a solid week of practice and then followed that up with a solid performance in the game. Wise is long and is naturally strong. At 6-6, he has long arms and he can anchor down at the point of attack against the run. Wise moves well laterally and is athletic enough that he can make chase plays from the backside.
Wise didn’t always live up to his potential at Arkansas but he is a late bloomer. I think he can thrive in the NFL because he is athleticism and the scheme versatility he offers at 6-6 270.
5. Trey Griffey, WR, Arizona: The son of Ken Griffey Jr. struggled to produce at Arizona throughout his career. Griffey only caught 23 passes last season but the Wildcats struggled mightily, especially on offense. Griffey had a productive week. He ran smooth, fluid routes, showed good ball skills and strong hands when competing for the football.
The size, speed combo is there. Griffey just needs to more reps and an opportunity to contribute. He could be a steal in this draft.