The 93rd East-West Shrine Game was played this past Saturday. It was one of the first opportunities for NFL scouts to assess NCAA talent this offseason, and for NCAA prospects to show off their skills. The West ended up beating the East in late-fashion 14-10, in what turned out to be a dominant game by both defenses. All NFL teams are known to keep a close eye on all college football all-star games to evaluate talent, and the Chicago Bears will be anticipated to do the same.
As Bears head into the 2018 NFL Offseason, they seem to have several positions that will need to sort out in order to contend and possibly compete for a Super Bowl next winter. Here are some prospects that coincidentally play those several demanded positions and also competed in the 2018 East-West Shrine Game.
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Wide Receiver Daurice Fountain, Northern Iowa
It’s quite obvious Daurice Fountain helped turn some scouts’ heads with his performance. While Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett struggled with his accuracy throughout the game, Fountain still managed to put up an impressive performance. Fountain totaled 3 receptions for 61 receiving yards with 2 punt returns for 40 return yards. His NFL-ready size (6’2” height, 210 lbs, 34” wingspan), and quickness is sure to push him into the mid to late-rounds. He struggled to show off his catching ability as he dropped a catchable ball that stalled the East’s game-winning drive. However, Fountain’s performance still earned him Offensive MVP honors, and possibly an NFL Combine invite.
Is this the @Shrine_Game or the @Reece_JMM Game? 🤔#UNIFight pic.twitter.com/gkPCHKBOM5
— UNI Football (@UNIFootball) January 20, 2018
Edge Rusher Joe Ostman, Central Michigan
After he created some buzz after a great week of practice, Ostman continued to show his skills in Saturday’s game. Ostman brought the pressure early in the 1st quarter and was able to sack J.T. Barrett on 3rd down. His active hand usage has earned him praise and has made him tied as the nation’s leader in sacks (14 total). Ostman raised his draft stock in the East-West Shrine Game, as he was projected to in the seventh round or possibly undrafted.
https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/954809025077694464
Offensive Tackle Brett Toth, Army
Brett Toth was thrown right into the fire and forced to play left tackle in a passing offense with the West after he played right tackle and in an option offense in college. However, he stood his ground and impressed many. His balance and strength was on display against the best competition he’s seen in his career.
Toth will likely be picked up in the late rounds, nd could be someone that the Bears may use to replace Bobby Massie. We will get to see Brett once again in the Senior Bowl, thanks to his performance in practices throughout the week.
https://twitter.com/ArmyBarstool/status/954855175541481473
Defensive End Kentavius Street, NC State
Street was finally able to show out in the East-West Shrine Game, after he was often overshadowed by his NC State teammate, Bradley Chubb, throughout the year. Kentavious separated himself from the rest of the pack on Saturday, turning in an unstoppable game.
Street earned praise from all analysts, such as Matt Miller and Josh Norris, for his work this week. Josh Norris said, “Chad Thomas received a ton of warranted love this week… but Kentavius Street is the real deal.”
Chad Thomas received a ton of warranted love this week… but Kentavius Street is the real deal.
Neck and neck for best prospect during Shrine week.@fduffy3
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 20, 2018
Street worked with UConn’s Folorunso Fatukasi to bring in pressure against the West. Street was able to grab a sack in Saturday’s contest, as he continued to rise up draft boards. With Mitch Unrein as a free agent, and Jonathan Bullard still trying to develop, Street could find himself a comfortable role in Chicago. Kentavius was projected to be a mid-round selection before the Shrine Game and practices, but he may be able to sneak into the second or third rounds come draft day.
Safety Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern
Godwin may be one of the more underrated defensive-backs heading into the NFL Draft. In his four years at Northwestern, he always seemed to find himself involved in the play, and it went the same way on Saturday. Godwin made a couple nice pass breakups, specifically one against the 6’3” wideout Justin Watson. In Ryan Pace’s tenure as Bears’ General Manager, Pace has picked up a few players that happened to compete in the Shrine Game. Noticeably, a couple of the Bears’ defensive-backs actually came from this college football all-star game. Deon Bush (2016 4th Round Pick), Cre’Von LeBlanc (2016 Undrafted Free Agent), and Bryce Callahan (2015 Undrafted Free Agent) all participated in their respected Shrine Game, meaning that Pace is familiar with picking up cornerbacks and safeties from this game, and he may not be afraid to do it once more.
