Latest news with #East-WestShrine
USA Today
08-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
3 offensive tackles the Rams could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft
The Los Angeles Rams are entering the offseason with arguably two needs at the offensive tackle position. Starting blindside protector Alaric Jackson is slated for free agency, and right tackle Rob Havenstein is an aging asset who isn't guaranteed to return in 2025. That means general manager Les Snead may draft multiple offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL draft. Snead has done an outstanding job finding value in late-round tackles. After all, Jackson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021, and Havenstein was a 2015 second-rounder. With a need for at least one developmental tackle on the roster, we've identified three prospects Snead could target in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL draft. Hollin Pierce | Rutgers Hollin Pierce was one of the most intriguing tackle prospects on the all-star circuit this year. Pierce checked into the East-West Shrine Bowl as a 6-foot-7, and 342-pound specimen with historically impressive arm length (nearly 37 inches). There are some technical warts to work through, but the Rutgers standout possesses all of the required tools. Logan Brown | Kansas Kansas' Logan Brown got somewhat lost in the Senior Bowl hype, but he quietly enjoyed a productive week in Mobile. Brown is an outstanding athlete with plus-level mobility on tape. That always appeals to Sean McVay and his creative offensive scheme. Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan | Oregon State Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan was probably the most impressive tackle at this year's East-West Shrine. He's a legit 6-foot-8 towering prospect with nearly 36 inch arms. Christian-Lichtenhan moves incredibly well for a tackle prospect with intimidating size.
CBS News
30-01-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Football player and little girl in iconic East-West Shrine Bowl logo reunite 50 years later
NORTH TEXAS — The 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off Thursday at AT&T Stadium. The annual meeting of some of the best college football players in the country gives them the opportunity to impress NFL teams before the draft, but it's also an opportunity for players to give back to kids in need. If you know the game, you know this image. A football player and a little girl holding hands, walking away. But, who are they? "I'm the little girl in the logo of the East-West Shrine game," said Nicole Urteaga, "He's like my knight in shining armor. Here I am, a child that was scared out of my mind." Urteaga was 2 years old when she was in the hospital during the 1974 East-West Shrine Bowl. That's when she met Mike Esposito. "He's such a kind soul. Just a warm, heartfelt person. An amazing person to be able to see and to try and calm me down," she said. Or maybe, Esposito met Urteaga. It's hard to say. "I could see her beautiful eyes, she was scared. I said to my wife, I said, 'Hun, what are we going to do?' She said, 'Let's take her out for a walk,'" said Esposito. The 22-year-old all-time leading rusher for Boston College and a two-year-old fighting to walk and use her hands. That first meeting is still a powerful memory for both. "We picked her up, I could feel her relax, we took her down the hallway, me and her just walked down the hallway and she was happy to get away from the crowd," said Esposito. And with that one picture, the two became linked forever. "We didn't know they were doing it, we're just, walking to make her feel better. That's how the picture happened," said Esposito. An image that has become a beacon of hope for children and families across the country. "Nicole and I were just talking about, we're just so happy that we could do something that will help another child. That's all we care about. If we happen to be the vehicle that helps them, so be it," said Esposito.
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
5 wide receiver prospects for the Eagles to watch at 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl
Philadelphia reached Super Bowl LIX, but the work is never complete, and the team has scouts and front office personnel preparing for April's NFL draft. The 2025 East-West Shrine game will kick off later this week, and we're previewing prospects that could become future Eagles. We're moving on to the wide receiver position. Philadelphia has A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Britain Covey all under contract for next season.
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Shedeur Sanders, top 2025 NFL Draft QB prospect, meets with Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are in an interesting position at quarterback. Veteran starter Geno Smith is scheduled to enter the final year of his contract in 2025. The 34-year-old Smith remains an above-average starter. Though the Seahawks should consider offering him a short-term contract extension, the franchise will need to start thinking about a succession plan sometime soon. Could that arrive via the 2025 NFL Draft? The all-star circuit is currently underway, with both the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl simultaneously ongoing. While at the East-West Shrine, members of the Seahawks' brass held an in-person meeting with Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Shedeur Sanders just went into this room to meet with teams on day 1 of the Shrine Bowl media availability. #Titans brass Brian Callahan, Mike Borganzi, AJ Highsmith among others are in there. — TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 24, 2025 Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, was electric for the Buffaloes throughout the 2024 college football campaign. The Dallas, Texas native threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. His go-to target was Heisman winner Travis Hunter, an electric two-way talent at wide receiver and cornerback. The Seahawks currently own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders is considered among the top two QB prospects alongside Miami's Cam Ward. The general consensus considers this a weak QB class, meaning it's within the realm of possibility that Sanders is available at 18th overall. Smith recently posted a cryptic message on social media shortly after former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll landed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith has approached the Seahawks about a contract extension in the past. Nothing materialized. If things get awkward over the offseason, general manager John Schneider could possess interest in drafting Sanders to be his next quarterback. The potential groundwork for such a move was laid down at the East-West Shrine.
