East-West Shrine Game Preview

While it may be viewed as the little brother to next weekend’s Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game is not lacking for players with NFL futures. The game will be broadcasted on NFL Network at 3 p.m. EST on January 21. The following is a list of players that Ravens fans should keep an eye on during the game.

West Team

Austin Carr, WR, Northwestern

Carr is coming off of an incredible 2016 season. The senior hauled in 90 catches for 1,247 yards. Carr eclipsed 125 yards in five of his 13 games. Averaging almost 14 yards per catch this season, Carr is picking up big chunks whenever he touches the ball. Carr was named the receiver of the year in the Big Ten, and has legitimate potential as an NFL slot receiver, a position the Ravens desperately need help at. Carr’s 6’1” frame is large for a slot receiver, and something that could help him succeed in the NFL.

Gabe Marks, WR, Washington State

Mark is similar to Carr as the Washington State product has potential to be a solid slot receiver in the NFL. Marks was the best receiver on one of the most potent offensive units in the country. He had a decline from his junior year where he totaled over 1100 yards, but still managed 894 this year. Marks is a bit smaller than Carr, but sports more speed than Carr. Marks has reportedly been very impressive at East-West Shrine Game practices throughout the week.

Deatrich Wise Jr., DE, Arkansas

Wise also saw a drop off in his senior season, but could use the East-West Shrine Game to boost his tumbling draft stock. Wise is 6’5”, and 271 LB, and potentially could shift from DE to OLB. Wise was used mainly as a pass rusher at Arkansas, but made improvements against the run this season. Before the game, Wise will likely be a mid to late round pick that the Ravens could take a flyer on, and hope he develops into a solid OLB.

Orion Stewart, S, Baylor

The Ravens will not take a safety in the early rounds, but if they choose to take one in the middle rounds, Stewart is an intriguing option. The Baylor product was a ballhawk in his senior season, coming up with six interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown. Stewart also had five passes defended. Stewart capped off his career with a great bowl game against Boise State where he had an interception, a pass defended, and a sack. Finally, Stewart finished the year with 76 tackles. With a strong performance in the East-West Shrine Game, his stock could rise even more.

Honorable Mentions: Jadar Johnson, S, Clemson

East Team

Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan

Stribling brings size and great ball skills to whatever team selects him. Stribling is 6’2” and had an incredible 12 passes defended in his senior season. Stribling also had four interceptions on the year. He wasn’t very willing to defend against the run, but made up for it with spectacular pass coverage.

Cameron Tom, C, Southern Mississippi

The Ravens are in the market for a new center, and Tom is one of the better prospects at the position. He is a solid blocker, but needs to add more weight.

De’Veon Smith, RB, Michigan

Smith doesn’t exactly fill a need as he is a similar player to Terrance West. Smith was underused a Michigan, but scouts say that he has had a great week of practice leading up to the game. He is a bruising runner who see a big jump in stock as the draft nears.

While these are players to keep an eye on, we have no idea who will jump off the screen during the game. Check back to Baltimore Beatdown for a full post game recap.