2018 East-West Shrine Game: Ten players to watch

The long, arduous process leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft kicked in to gear this week with the practices leading up to the 2018 East-West Shrine Game.

This year the Shrine game has some players who are definitely intriguing and absolutely should interest the New York Giants. In fact, we’ve already heard that the Giants are active at the Shrine Game and have been spotted expressing interest in several prospects.

Offense

Riley Ferguson (QB, Memphis) - East: The best QB on the property, Ferguson has the kind of tools that intrigue NFL talent evaluators. He also has some concerning inconsistencies in his game and will need to show that he can take NFL coaching.

J.T. Barrett (QB, Ohio State) - East: Barrett has played a lot of football at a very high level, but Urban Meyer is not known for putting quarterbacks in the NFL. Like Ferguson, Barrett will need to show that he can play in an NFL offense.

K.C. McDermott (OL, Miami) - East: McDermott has been, reportedly, the only blocker able to deal with NC State’s Kentavius Street, and that alone makes him worth watching. Tony Pauline reports that McDermott has been practicing at left tackle but his future is likely at guard in the NFL.

DaeSean Hamilton (WR, Penn State) - East - Hamilton is Penn State’s all-time leading receiver, and as such is both dependable and has surprising big-play ability. The Giants are reportedly very interested in him.

Jordan Thomas (WR/TE, Mississippi State) - West - Thomas was listed as a wide receiver for Mississippi State, but at 6’5,” 269 pounds, with 34 5/8-inch arms and 11-inch hands, he is undoubtedly looked at as a tight end in the NFL. With just 31 receptions in two seasons, there isn’t (yet) any tape on him, but the Giants have expressed interest. He’s worth a watch.

Defense

Kentavius Street (DL, NC State) - East - Street is a very intriguing prospect, with the versatility to play DE or DT at the next level. He played in Bradley Chubb’s shadow, but has the potential to rocket up draft boards over the coming months.

Chad Thomas (DE, Miami) - East - Thomas just looks like an NFL defensive end at 6’6,” 275 pounds and has already impressed with his athleticism. Reports say that he is exciting but inconsistent, flashing early-round potential.

Chris Worley (LB, Ohio State) - East - A smart, steady, instinctive linebacker who does the little things. Worley is undersized but athletic and dependable in both run defense and pass coverage.

Tre Flowers (S, Oklahoma State) - East - Flowers is a long safety at 6’3 ¹⁄4 inches and 34-inch arms, but lanky at 194 pounds. He is capable of highlight reel plays, but will need to show more play-in, play-out dependability.