New England Patriots Keeping an Eye on Promising Players at East-West Shrine Bowl

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ICARO Media Group
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01/02/2024 23h46

While all eyes are on the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, the East-West Shrine Bowl is also showcasing some talented college players this week. Held at the Dallas Cowboys' facility in Frisco, Texas, this event might not feature as many marquee names as its counterpart, but there are several players worth keeping an eye on who could find themselves in the radar of the New England Patriots.

Leading the group is quarterback Tulia Tagovailoa from Maryland. Although the quarterback class at the Shrine Bowl may not be overly impressive, Tagovailoa stands out with his three years of collegiate experience and his similarities to his brother, Tua Tagovailoa, in playing style.

Another player worth noting is running back Blake Watson from Memphis. While he had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in college, it's his skills as a pass catcher that could intrigue the Patriots. Watson's ability to make receptions (90 in the past two seasons) and gain yards after the catch make him an attractive prospect for New England.

Wide receivers Tahj Washington from USC and Malik Washington from Virginia have been proving to be challenging covers for defensive backs in Frisco, just as they were in college. Tahj, catching passes from highly-touted draft prospect Caleb Williams, had a career-high season in 2023 with 59 receptions, 1,062 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Malik impressed with 110 receptions for 1,426 yards and 9 touchdowns last year. Both players excel in quickness and agility, although their smaller size might make them too similar to Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas.

Dallin Holker, a tight end from Colorado State, caught the attention of scouts with a standout performance against Colorado last season. His ability to move well despite his 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame makes him the top tight end in attendance.

Garret Greenfield, an offensive tackle from SDSU, stood out among the linemen at the Shrine Bowl. Despite coming from the FCS, Greenfield's versatility and performance throughout the week has impressed, although some predict a potential move inside at the professional level.

A couple of local prospects worth mentioning for the Patriots are Boston College guard Christian Mahogany and Holy Cross guard/center CJ Hanson. Mahogany, known for his exceptional strength, was among the top-ranked linemen at the event. Hanson's versatility in playing both guard and center has also caught the attention of scouts.

Defensively, Mo Kamara from Colorado State has made a name for himself at the Shrine Bowl. Impressing with two sacks and two tackles for loss against Colorado, Kamara carried that momentum into an outstanding season with 13 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. His performance in Frisco has further solidified his credibility as an edge rusher.

One of the most intriguing stories of the week is the emergence of cornerback Qwan'Tex Stiggers. Despite never playing an NCAA game, Stiggers enters the NFL draft after a stint with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League, where he made the All-Star game as the Most Outstanding Rookie. This Thursday's game will provide an opportunity to see firsthand how Stiggers performs in live action.

Lastly, safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson from Texas Tech could be a potential target for the Patriots if they are looking for a true free safety. With his impressive track record of interceptions (10) and pass breakups (16) during his time at Texas Tech, Taylor-Demerson has showcased his ability to cover large areas of the field with ease.

The 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl is set to kick off on Thursday, February 1, at 8 p.m. ET and can be watched live on NFL Network. Patriots fans and football enthusiasts are encouraged to join the conversation in the comments section to discuss the game and the potential impact of these talented players on the New England Patriots.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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