The East-West Shrine Bowl festivities have ended, and there are a handful of prospects that boosted their stock and caught the attention of analysts. The team is going to have to be calculated with their minimal draft assets this coming spring, and Shrine is a great place to do some bargain shopping.
Here are four prospects that could be intriguing options for the Atlanta Falcons.
WR/KR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
The Falcons desperately need to inject some juice into the special teams unit, and Wetjen has it in spades. Arguably the best
returner in college football last year, Wetjen showcased his explosiveness all week at the Shrine Bowl and had quality reps as a receiver. While his main role would be as a returner, the Falcons offense could benefit from finally having a real vertical threat, even if it is for only 10 plays a game.
Wetjen is currently ranked 291st on the consensus big board, which is great for the Falcons, who need to maximize their 6th and 7th round picks this year.
NT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Jackson made so much noise at the Shrine Bowl that the Senior Bowl has called him to come to their all-star game. The Florida State product is a physical marvel, officially checking in at 6’5″ 328lbs with 11″ hands and 35″ arms (85″ wingspan!). He eats double teams for breakfast and is a force against the run, exactly what the Falcons defensive interior needs.
Jackson is currently projected to be a 3rd round pick, which puts him in range for Atlanta. However, if his strong pre-draft process continues, the Falcons might have to consider spending a second on him, which is quite costly for a nose tackle, but Jackson might be worth it.
OL Brian Parker, Duke
Parker was an All-American-caliber offensive tackle last year, but he wanted to use the Shrine Bowl to showcase his versatility, and he did not disappoint. Parker took most of his snaps at center, with a handful coming at guard, and looked like a natural. The Shrine staff recognized the Blue Devil as one of the top practice players of the week. While Parker was a tackle in college, he was originally recruited to play center and remained the team’s backup even after moving to tackle.
He mentioned how he’s taken snaps there almost every spring, and that checks out with his performance during the all-star event. Parker is currently projected as a Day 2 pick and measured in at 6’4”, 306 lbs, and 32 1/4” arms.
EDGE Mason Reiger, Wisconsin
Some of you might be wondering why I’m highlighting an EDGE prospect after the year the Falcons just had, but that’s because a complacent pass rush regresses. The teams that get after the QB year after year, invest year after year, and Reiger looks like a penny stock that could go to the moon. Saying he dominated Shrine would be an understatement; he was unblockable and had his way with anyone who dared to stand across from him. He’s a savvy technician who approaches every rep with a thorough pass rush plan, and his motor never stops.
The Shrine Bowl may be considered a tier down from the Senior Bowl, featuring mostly Day 3 prospects, but the Falcons are going to have to maximize those picks this year, and there are plenty of prospects that fit the team’s needs.
