Massive Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Justin Ellis has drawn praise from Shrine Game practice attendees (Photo: idahopress.com)
DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon
Heavy Florida rains drove the East Team practices inside on Tuesday, reducing their session to “glorified walkthough” status. Luckily the West team made it out onto a field once the showers subsided, and salvaged the day for scouts and evaluators. Gather round, draft junkies, and soak in some of the best Day Two Shrine Game practice coverage the internet has to offer.
- Shrine Game weigh-ins took place Monday morning and were a closed-door affair for NFL eyes only. But Eric Galko of OptimumScouting.com tracked down the raw data and compiled and handy roster complete with heights and weights. Eastern Illinois QB Jimmy Garoppolo scored a “win” by checking in over 6’2” tall, easing concerns about his size. Offensive tackle Matt Hall of Bellhaven was the tallest player in attendance at 6’8 5/8”, while Northern Arizona running back Zach Bauman was the shortest, checking in at 5’7 1/4”. The heaviest player was 351 pound DT Justin Ellis of Louisiana Tech, and Toledo receiver Bernard Reedy, at 174 pounds, was the lightest.
- Speaking of Ellis, Galko proclaimed the jumbo defensive tackle to be the “biggest winner of the day” and a potential top-100 pick.
- Jeff Risdon of DetroitLionsDraft.com spent Tuesday concentrating on linemen and linebackers. Along the way, he snapped a shot of Michigan State linebacker Max Bullough looking rather stiff during drills. Bullough also weighed in close to 270 pounds on Monday. Heavy, inflexible, and coming off of a bowl game suspension. Bullough certainly hasn’t been doing himself any favors lately.
- Tom Melton of DraftFalcons.com checked in with notes from the West team’s practice as well. But Tom’s greatest contribution of the day was his acting turn in this commercial for Emory Hunt’s Football Gameplan.
- Of course, the esteemed Mr. Hunt also came through with some Day Two practice footage.
- Draft insider Tony Pauline has been keeping player-by-player notes for the West team and the East team.
- Former basketball players always seem to pique the interests of scouts. As a result, Bloomsburg defensive end Larry Webster, a veteran of the hard court, had generated some buzz heading into the week. Interestingly enough, according to Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com, Webster is drawing looks from several NFL teams as a potential tight end convert. Three years ago, former b-ballers Jordan Cameron and Julius Thomas opened eyes at the Shrine Game, and now both are coming off career seasons. Perhaps Webster can find a similar path. As for Mr. Brugler, his practice observations on Webster and others can be found right here.
- Finally, Kyle Crabbs (@NFLDraftTracker) is a newcomer to the All Star circuit, but he’s been covering the Shrine Game like a seasoned vet. Crabbs came through with his own set of weigh-in results, as well as minute-by-minute practice notes. Tuesday’s notes include some particularly good details on WR vs. DB and OL vs DL drills.
As always, click the links for the full scoop, and follow these guys on twitter for up to the minute coverage all week long.