We have reached the point in the offseason when NFL prospect showcases have begun, and scouts are eager to see how the top players in this year’s class perform at the major bowl games. There are several events, including the American Bowl, the East-West Shrine Bowl, and the Senior Bowl, that serve as showcases for players to show themselves to NFL scouts up close and personal. Scouts love these events because they can get official measurements and see how each player prepares for practice and for a game.
The Shrine Bowl was played on Tuesday and featured some of my favorite guys in this year’s draft class, many of whom showed why they belong in the conversation to be some of this year’s top picks. Fans love to see one-on-one practices from these bowl games, and while some clips will go viral, helping or hurting a player’s draft stock, it’s the consistency that scouts are looking for. Today, I wanted to do something a little different: rather than predicting how these players will play, I am going over my top-graded prospects from the event and how their performance will affect their draft stock.
Harold Perkins Jr
If two years ago you had told someone that Harold Perkins Jr was going to fall out of the first round, they would have looked at you like you had two heads. But now this has become a reality for the former LSU freshman phenom, who immediately captured scouts’ attention with his incredible athleticism upon his arrival in Baton Rouge. At the Shrine Bowl, Perkins showed scouts what they wanted to see, and he proved that he still has that bounce and burst that he had as a freshman. Projections for Perkins vary: some see him as a linebacker, others as an edge. Regardless, his athletic ability is still there, and there will be a role for him in the NFL; if used properly, he is a massive game-changer.
Nolan Rucci
Coming out of high school, Rucci was a highly regarded five-star prospect, and when he committed to Wisconsin, the Badgers hoped to have the nation’s best offensive line. But Rucci struggled to find the field consistently and transferred to Penn State after three years in Wisconsin. With Penn State, he became a full-time starter and showed scouts what they wanted to see from the 6’8 right tackle. His sheer athleticism gives scouts a lot of hope for what he can be at the NFL level, and while he has only had minimal experience at left tackle, scouts are excited. At the Shrine Bowl, Rucci played both sides of the line, and he looked good, showing off his impressive movement skills and quick feet. I was impressed with his performance, and I am confident in my Day 2 grade on him for this offseason.
Robert Henry Jr
Henry has been my guy for some time, and he has proven himself as one of the most talented running backs in the 2026 draft. I often find a small-school running back I like, and this year that guy is Henry Jr. At the Shrine Bowl, he continued to show why he belongs in the conversation with other top RBs in the draft. Henry has impressive speed, burst, and strength, and his ability to make plays in space has really caught my eye. In a weak RB class, I think Henry should be one of the first 7 running backs to come off the board.
Ceyair Wright
Wright may very well be the most athletic corner in the 2026 NFL draft. He was a high school track star, and that speed consistently shows up on the field. Wright has great length and is very physical on the outside, making him a high-quality man-to-man corner. He is an above-average tackler as well, and there is a lot of potential for him in zone coverage. Wright has struggled with leaving too much space between him and his assignment on the field, but he clearly has the athletic ability to change that, and it was something that showed up at the Shrine as well. With the right coach, I think Wright will be an everyday starter in the NFL.
Malachi Lawrence
Lawrence was my top player at the Shrine entering this game, and while his measurements were not as impressive as some had hoped, he still balled out. Coming into the event, rumors swirled that Lawrence could have 35+ inch arms, which would be elite for someone of his size, and while that was not the case, his ability to make early contact and win in pass rush still caught my eye. On film, Lawrence showed off elite pass-rush planning, and his variety of pass-rush moves made him one of my favorite DE prospects in the draft. He is a gifted athlete with the discipline to set the edge and the relentlessness to get to the QB and play strong run defense. Just a great all-around player who did nothing but help himself this week.
