The NFL season is down to the final four teams, but for the other 28 franchises, the process of draft preparation has begun and that means scouting the collegiate all-star games.
The 2020 East-West Shrine Game is here and although it’s not the Reese Senior Bowl, a ton of mid-round and late-round prospects have taken advantage of the opportunity to put in work in front of the NFL scouts, coaches and executives.
Notable names to achieve greatness after the East-West Shrine Game include Jimmy Garoppolo, who has the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
Eagles stars Brandon Brooks and Avonte Maddox are also East-West Shrine alums, so the Birds have experience in plucking talent from this game.
Former Purdue signal-caller David Blough turned a 10-of-15, 149 yards and two touchdowns performance in last year’s game into five appearances for the Detroit Lions this season.
With Philadelphia currently having 10 draft picks and several in the later rounds, here are 7 players the Eagles and fans should keep an eye on.
***
1. Binjimen Victor, WR, Ohio State
Victor is an intriguing prospect and his Buckeye DNA gives him the benefit of the doubt when breaking down his tape and abilities on the outside.
Although not a star at Ohio State, Victor is a crisp route runner who is fluid coming out of the break with very sure hands. As a Senior for the Big 10 Champions, Victor had 35 catches for 573 yards and six touchdowns.
2. Juwan Johnson, WR, Oregon
Johnson put on a show in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin and the athletic wideout has continued his torrid pace at East-West Shrine practices.
Johnson has a frame in the mold of Alshon Jeffery (6-4, 231-pounds) and he’s strong enough to outmuscle defenders, yet athletic enough to turn a bubble screen into a touchdown.
3. Shaq Quarterman LB, Miami
If the Eagles allow Nigel Bradham to walk, Quarterman could be the perfect mid-round replacement at middle linebacker.
Standing 6’1, 241 lbs, Quarterman earned All-ACC honors for the second year in a row and logged a 77.8 grade from PFF.
Quarterman stands out against the run but struggles in space when asked to play zone.
4. Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte
Highsmith started the season on the Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) watch list
Highsmith resembles Josh Sweat with his 6;4, 242-pound frame. His production matches his physique, as Highsmith became the first Niner in school history to earn All-America honors after he ranked 4th in the nation in sacks (14.0) and 5th in tackles for loss (21.5).
He added 75 tackles and forced a fumble.
5. Jon Runyan Jr., OT, Michigan
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of legendary Eagles right tackle, Jon Runyan. Eagles fans may not be happy over Runyan not disciplining Jadeveon Clowney, but they’ll scream in delight if he falls to the Birds.
Runyan A two-time All-Big Ten honoree started the last two seasons for the Wolverines at left tackle and will have a chance to prove that he can hold up against NFL caliber pass rushers.
6. Shyheim Carter, S, Alabama
A late-round possibility, the former Crimson Tide safety has decent size and range for the position and projects as a nickel corner in the NFL who could turn into a solid contributor in Philadelphia.
7. James Morgan, QB, Florida International
Morgan may be low-profile in name recognition, but he’s outperformed all of the signal-callers in East-West shrine practices. His arm talent throughout the week has impressed the scouts and with the Eagles needing a backup quarterback, the team has done their due diligence.
Morgan passed for 2,560 yards and 14 touchdowns with five interceptions in his second season as the starter at FIU.
