Eli Heidenreich, Mark Gronowski Shine at Shrine Bowl: 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
The 101st East-West Shrine Bowl took place at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, showcasing a talented roster of players for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This year’s event is particularly notable as 51 prospects from the previous Shrine Bowl were selected in last year’s draft, indicating a strong pipeline for NFL talent.
Key Players to Watch
Several athletes stood out during Shrine Bowl practices, particularly in skill positions and the defensive line.
Eli Heidenreich
- Position: Running Back
- Speed: 20.01 MPH
- Height: 6’5″
- Profile: All-time leading receiver at Navy, Heidenreich is known for his versatility as a third-down weapon. His ability to run routes and catch balls adds a dynamic element to his game.
Mark Gronowski
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6’2″, Weight: 235 lbs
- Profile: Known for his athleticism and scrambling ability. Gronowski showcased strong passing skills during practices, making him an intriguing prospect for teams in search of a quarterback.
Skyler Bell
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Catches: 102 in the past season
- Speed: 20.1 MPH
- Profile: A top performer with exceptional route-running skills, Bell is projected to move up the draft boards significantly.
Other Notable Players
- Jackson: Defensive lineman at 6’5″, 328 lbs, showcasing quick feet and significant presence during drills.
- Lawrence: Edge rusher noted for his speed at 19.32 MPH and good technique in pass-rush drills.
- Wetjen: A smaller receiver but effective in drills, providing strong contributions in special teams.
- Smith: Dominated interior linemen with powerful run-blocking skills.
- Raridon: Tight end with a notable catch radius, clocking in at 19.2 MPH.
- Perkins: An explosive linebacker transitioning between positions yet showcasing elite skills.
Looking Ahead to the Draft
With a deep talent pool emerging from this year’s Shrine Bowl, 2026 NFL teams have valuable prospects to consider. The combination of speed, skill, and athleticism displayed makes this group stand out.
Ultimately, players like Eli Heidenreich and Mark Gronowski, alongside others, are expected to make significant impacts in the upcoming draft. The Shrine Bowl continues to be a vital platform for rising talent in the NFL landscape.
