Congratulations to the Indiana Hoosiers for winning their first College Football Championship. However, now that the 2025 college football season is over, it’s time to focus on the 2026 NFL Draft, starting with the All-Star games.
The first game is the East-West Shrine Bowl on Tuesday night. Several participants could be significant NFL Draft picks, including potential Day 1 selections.
Let’s look at 10 players to watch in the East-West Shrine Bowl and consider how their performances could shape the early discussions and projections for the upcoming NFL Draft season.
- 2026 NFL Draft Guide
- 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
Shrine Bowl East Squad Players to Watch
Cade Klubnik (QB – Clemson)
Klubnik is easily the biggest name quarterback in Tuesday’s game. He returned to school last season, hoping to improve his draft stock and win a National Title. Unfortunately, neither happened, as Klubnik and Clemson struggled. Yet, he has a chance to be the third quarterback drafted in April. Last year, Klubnik saw his passing touchdown rate drop by 44.6%, going from 7.4% in 2024 to 4.1% in 2025. However, his receiving corps struggled to stay healthy. Don’t be surprised if Klubnik significantly improves his draft stock over the next week.
Jack Endries (TE – Texas)
While Kenyon Sadiq is the clear-cut top tight end in the draft class, the No. 2 spot is up for grabs. Endries wouldn’t be the second tight end pick if the draft happened today. However, the draft is months away, and the former Texas star could help his stock with a strong performance on Tuesday. Endries set a career-high in receiving touchdowns (three) last season despite having only 33 receptions in a crowded Texas receiving corps. He should shine as the East team’s best weapon in the passing game.
DJ Campbell (G – Texas)
Texas lost four starters to the 2024 NFL Draft. Campbell was the only starter to return for last season. Unfortunately, the Longhorns’ offensive line struggled over the first half of the year. However, they played better later in the season, partly thanks to Campbell. He only allowed one sack last year on 484 pass block reps. Furthermore, according to PFF, Campbell surrendered only three quarterback hurries over the final five games despite facing multiple talented defenses. He could be an early Day 3 pick with a strong performance.
Darrell Jackson Jr. (DL – Florida State)
Last season, Jackson set career highs in several categories, including total tackles (45). However, it was an overall down year for the former Florida State star. By comparison, he set career highs in several categories in 2024 despite the team’s struggles, totaling 15 solo tackles, four tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. Yet, Jackson could be a top-75 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a strong pre-draft process, starting this week. He is a massive factor against the run, showing aggressiveness and power at the point of attack.
Harold Perkins (LB – LSU)
Many had high expectations for Perkins as a five-star high school recruit. The former LSU star is one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He had 13 sacks and 26 tackles for a loss over his first two college seasons. Last year, Perkins had three interceptions, a team-high. Scouts are mixed on where to play the former LSU star at the next level. Expect him to turn heads during the East-West Shrine Bowl, whether lined up as an edge rusher, linebacker, or nickel defender.
Shrine Bowl West Squad Players to Watch
Skyler Bell (WR – UConn)
The 2026 NFL Draft class is deep at the wide receiver position. Despite coming from a smaller school, Bell could be a mid-Day 2 pick with a strong pre-draft process. After starting his career at Wisconsin, he became a superstar at UConn. Last season, Bell had 101 receptions for 1,278 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking in the top four in the country in every category. He is a solid route runner with an impressive ability to create separation. Bell should be one of the top performers in Tuesday’s game.
Pat Coogan (C – Indiana)
Unfortunately, this year’s draft class lacks an elite center prospect. However, Coogan could be one of several interior offensive linemen selected on Day 2 of the draft. After spending three years at Notre Dame, he transferred to Indiana and played a massive role in the Hoosiers’ winning the National Championship. Coogan’s PFF run blocking and pass blocking grades improved every season in college. Furthermore, he was Indiana’s best offensive lineman last year, getting called for only two penalties, while surrendering zero quarterback hits or sacks on 483 pass blocking snaps.
Dontay Corleone (DL – Cincinnati)
Corleone was one of the more underrated players on Cincinnati’s defense over the past few years. Unfortunately, his production in the box score massively declined last season. After totaling 17 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks over his first three years, Corleone failed to record a tackle for loss or sack in 2025 despite playing in 10 games. Yet, he should be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, especially with an impressive pre-draft process. Corleone will help an NFL team’s run defense early in his career.
Jake Golday (LB – Cincinnati)
We could see four linebackers get drafted in the first round this year. While Golday likely will have to wait until Day 2 to hear his name called, the former Cincinnati star might be one of the best value picks of this year’s draft. Last season, he had 105 tackles, six for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and three passes defended. Some scouts believe Golday will run a 40-yard dash time under 4.5 seconds at the NFL Combine. More importantly, he is equally good against the run and in coverage.
Domani Jackson (CB – Alabama)
Some thought Jackson could turn into a first-round pick with a breakout 2025 season. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the year many had hoped for. Jackson didn’t have an interception and only one pass defended after totaling two and seven in 2024. Yet, he posted a career-high in PFF coverage grade (74.4) and yards allowed per reception (8.4). More importantly, Jackson can lock himself into a Day 2 pick with an impressive pre-draft process. While he needs to work on his discipline, Jackson is an aggressive and talented press-man style cornerback.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
