Photo: @NFLPABowl

While the Reeses Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine game get the majority of attention as the big pre-draft prospect showcases, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl isn’t too shabby either.

That game took place on Saturday night, with the National Team beating the American team 25-24 in the Rose Bowl out in California on a last-second missed field goal. The final score in these games is virtually irrelevant though, what’s important is the ability for lesser-known talent to spend a few days getting to pick the brains of other elite players while also learning from NFL coaches like Marvin Lewis, Jeff Fisher and Wade Phillips. Hall of Famer Rod Woodson was one of many former players on hand helping out too.

Boston College tight end Trae Barry, Sacred Heart running back Julius Chestnut and Holy Cross defensive end Benton Whitley all participated in the game and all three have a legitimate shot at hearing their names called at some point during draft weekend.

Chestnut and Barry never really got to shine offensively. Unfortunately, that’s often the case in these types of games with limited formations and so many mouths to feed. There were at least a few times where Barry made sure he stood out in the run game with his blocking ability though. On the other side, Whitley was noticeable, getting off the line quickly, sniffing around the ball at the end of plays & occasionally being disruptive in the backfield when he got an opportunity. He did commit an encroachment penalty, but it’s not going to make or break a career.

There were no highlight reel plays for the local guys, but that doesn’t matter. Barry, Chestnut and Whitley all wore jerseys from New England schools at an elite prospect showcase, you can’t get a much bigger stage to promote local ball than that one. Coaches will see the effort those guys put on film too, whether fans recognized their impact or not.

Just by being on the rosters this weekend, those three gained invaluable NFL-like experience while continuing to wave the flag for New England prospects that may also have big time dreams of playing at the highest level.