Top Defensive Prospects to Watch at East-West Shrine Bowl
As the East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off its practices in Frisco, Texas, over 130 NFL draft prospects are eager to showcase their skills. They aim to elevate their draft stock in front of professional scouts and coaching staff. This year, the event is guided by new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who was appointed just before the practices began.
Defensive Prospects to Watch at the Shrine Bowl
The Shrine Bowl presents a unique opportunity for players to make an impression. Below are key defensive prospects to keep an eye on:
Domani Jackson – Cornerback, Alabama
Domani Jackson is a former five-star recruit who transitioned from USC to Alabama for his final collegiate seasons. In 2024, he recorded 51 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. This season, he accumulated 38 tackles as part of an Alabama team that advanced to the College Football Playoff. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 196 pounds, Jackson’s man-to-man coverage skills make him an appealing candidate for the NFL. Under the mentoring of Christian Parker, he could enhance his technique further.
Dontay Corleone – Interior Defensive Lineman, Cincinnati
Dontay Corleone is a standout player who dedicated his college career to Cincinnati. He played a pivotal role in the Bearcats’ journey from the American Conference to the Big 12. Known for his run-stopping ability and occasional pass rush, Corleone is a seasoned prospect who could provide depth for NFL teams at the defensive tackle position. His performance in one-on-one drills this week will be crucial for his draft stock.
Harold Perkins – Linebacker, LSU
Harold Perkins emerged as a key player for LSU in 2022, posting 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Although his role evolved in subsequent seasons, he maintained a significant impact. With a total of 5.5 sacks in his junior year, Perkins offers impressive blitzing ability from various positions. His versatility makes him a candidate that NFL teams could utilize effectively in their defensive schemes. This week’s practices at the Shrine Bowl will allow him to demonstrate his potential.
Karson Sharar – Linebacker, Iowa
Karson Sharar aims to follow in the footsteps of successful Iowa linebackers, showcasing his toughness and versatility. In his single season as a full-time starter, he led Iowa with 83 tackles, along with 12 tackles for loss and four sacks. His performance included a sack against the Heisman finalist from Vanderbilt. Sharar’s intelligent play and adaptability could catch the attention of multiple NFL teams during the Shrine Bowl.
Lander Barton – Linebacker, Utah
Standing tall at 6’5″ and weighing 236 pounds, Lander Barton is an imposing figure on the field. Over the past two seasons, he logged 127 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions. His athleticism and explosiveness are notable, though he will need to refine his pursuit technique. With a demand for linebackers, Barton could immediately contribute to an NFL roster.
The East-West Shrine Bowl offers a crucial platform for these promising players to elevate their profiles in preparation for the NFL Draft. Coaches and scouts will be closely observing their performance during practices this week.
