Like Reese’s Senior Bowl, the Shrine Bowl is a major event leading up to the NFL Draft where underrated prospects become household names. The week-long event begins on January 25th, and here are five offensive Shrine Bowl sleepers who could raise their stock.
Offensive Prospects Who Could Stand Out At The Upcoming Shrine Bowl
QB Camden Miller, North Dakota State
Miller is an interesting case in that no one truly knows much about him as a prospect and a player. He doesn’t have many of the surface tools to be drafted highly, if at all, but he could make his way onto a team as a priority undrafted free agent. He’s a true developmental prospect but could have some teams vying for his services if he performs well during the week.
His ability to escape the pocket and get defenses on their heels is what he’s most known for. He rarely forces the ball into uncomfortable spots, as evident in his 33/4 Touchdown/Interception ratio in NDSU’s national championship-winning season. Miller could become a gadget-type QB in the NFL and his chances of making a roster could be greatly influenced by his Shrine Bowl showcase.
Potential Team Fit: New Orleans Saints
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Croskey-Merritt played in just one game in 2024 due to late eligibility rules coming into play. He put together an incredible campaign for New Mexico in 2023 and shined in his one contest this year. He accepted an invitation to the Hula Bowl and, according to CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt, was levels above the competition.
His twitchy athleticism and ability to fly to the second level make him a constant home run threat. Croskey-Merritt’s 2023 film was solid, but his lack of playing time in 2024 leaves scouts with more questions than answers. If he’s able to show he’s still a high-level running back and able to succeed against strong Shrine Bowl competition, his name could be right back in draft conversations.
Potential Team Fit: Chicago Bears
WR Ricky White III, UNLV
White III is a unicorn of a prospect who’s shown near-generational skills as a punt blocker. His receiving stats at UNLV are solid, and he’s incredibly slippery after the catch. He currently profiles as a mid-Day 3 prospect with visible issues as a route runner and light frame. However, White has the savviness to win a good amount of his one-on-one reps in the upcoming practices.
His explosiveness and overall electricity make him an extremely fun prospect to watch. White could very well light up Shrine Bowl practices and become a more serious contender to be selected early on Day 3. His exciting special teams skills and potential to be a versatile receiver easily make him an early contender to have a standout week.
Potential Team Fit: Cleveland Browns
WR Will Sheppard, Colorado
Sheppard is a great example of a film-over-stats prospect after having under 650 yards as Colorado’s third or fourth option. His box score numbers don’t fly off the page, but his tape shows a legitimate NFL weapon. He’s a fluid mover and red-zone nightmare, moving through defenses easily and creating a large catch radius.
His combination of size and effortless body control project him as an elite one-on-one target. Sheppard could have a huge week in practices and look like an absolute force in the individual section of offensive drills. Shrine Bowl matchups have often led to wideouts’ stock making large jumps, and he could be the next in that long line.
Potential Team Fit: Baltimore Ravens
OL Marcus Wehr, Montana State
Wehr is a physical and athletic guard who has terrorized defenses for years at Montana State. He’s among the likes of NDSU’s Grey Zabel and William & Mary’s Charles Grant as some of the best offensive line talent in the FCS. His strong anchor and prowess as a run blocker have already begun conversations around his upside in the NFL.
He could be a pure dominator in the OL/DL drills during the upcoming week and make his name known. Wehr’s prospect profiles have ranged from late Day 2 grades to UDFA grades, and a good week could land him at the higher end of that among scouts. He’s “traitsy” and moves well, both desirable traits that could lead to him being a major riser.
Potential Team Fit: Atlanta Falcons
Main Photo Courtesy of Jamie Sabau – Imagn Images
