East-West Shrine Game Preview: West Team, 2014 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
By Corey Brewer
Dec 7, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Jordan Najvar (18) takes the field to face the Texas Longhorns at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Baylor Bears defeated the Texas Longhorns 30-10 to win the Big 12 championship. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The East-West Shrine Game is the longest running college all-star game in the country. Since 1925, college seniors have been able to make their case towards the NFL by playing in the annual event. With NFL scouts and media members in attendance during the entire week, this can be a make or break moment for a prospect
The West team is led by former Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns head coach, Romeo Crennel. Here are a few players to watch from his squad
OT #76 – Danny Kistler Jr – Montana
Kistler was a three year starter for Montana. He was named a FCS first-team All American and was Montana’s best offensive player. Size is not an issue with him, he measures in at 6’7”, 315 lbs. He was a mauler on the left side of the line for the Grizzlies last season. He is known as a finisher, often pummeling his defender until the whistle. He is an intriguing late round lineman who could raise his stock against some high level defensive lineman.
TE #48 – Jordan Najvar – Baylor
Jordan Navjar has been lost in the mix because of the tight end talent in this draft class. The former Stanford transfer has been a solid piece in Baylor’s high tempo offense since the day he stepped on campus. He is a tall, athletic target who could become a vertical threat at the next level. With the way the tight end position is changing in the NFL, look for Navjar to climb up draft boards quickly.
WR #89 – Chandler Jones – San Jose State
Jones was near the top of the rankings in every receiving category this past season. He was the number one target in San Jose States high-flying offense. He is a physical receiver who isn’t afraid to muscle up the defender for a catch. He has trustworthy hands and has the ability to make big catches all game long. Jones does not have elite speed, but he makes up for it with his catching ability. He could steal the show this week with a big performance.
DE #90 – Josh Mauro – Stanford
Josh Mauro is a big bodied defender who has a knack for getting in the backfield. He is versatile enough to play all over the defensive line. He is a high motor play who can fit well on any team. He was overshadowed by Stanford’s other leading defenders, but now with his chance to shine, Mauro will dominate opposing lineman all week long. He is a mid round talent who could slide up into the early rounds,
S #1 – Sean Parker – Washington
Sean Parker was the best tackler on the Huskies defense last season. He is a sideline to sideline player with great field quickness. Parker is a very physical football player, and packs a punch in run support. He can be a ball-hawk in the secondary and is an experienced play-maker. If the quarterback makes a mistake this week, Parker will take advantage. He is a top safety in this years draft.