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3 East-West Shrine Game offensive prospects the Broncos should target

Jan 18, 2017, 6:08 PM | Updated: Jan 19, 2017, 7:23 pm

Editor’s note: The 2017 East-West Shrine Game kicked off this week in Tampa, Florida, and its motto rings true as this contest is “more than a game.” Created by the Shriners in 1925, the East-West Shrine Game was the nation’s first college all-star football game. The game is driven by the desire to support Shriners Hospitals for Children in its mission to help children in need of expert medical care.

I’ve covered this game for 11 years in a row, and it’s the first stop on what I call my yearly “All-Star Road Trip.” During the week of practice, these college prospects get to perform in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. It’s a huge job interview for these players, and some of the best in the NFL found themselves playing in this game before they starred on Sundays.

The Denver Broncos have undergone a multitude of changes since hoisting the Lombardi Trophy less than a year ago. It seems like Super Bowl 50 is a distant memory, and the team is moving on with a revamped offensive coaching staff in place after failing to make the postseason in 2016.

In addition to new coaches, the Broncos could use an influx of talent on that side of the ball. Currently, there are four offensive players — Emmanuel Sanders, Jordan Taylor, Dillon Day, and Virgil Green — on the roster that participated in the Shrine Game when they came out of college. The Broncos will most certainly be looking for offensive talent in Tampa this week.

Here are three offensive players the Broncos should target from the Shrine Game:

Eric Saubert, tight end, Drake

Small-school prospects generally have a lot to prove, and those players can use all-star games to showcase their talents against much better competition than they played against in college.

Eric Saubert stood out immediately on the first day of practice with his sure hands. He played college football in Iowa at Drake University. In football, Drake competes in the Football Championship Subdivision’s Pioneer Football League.

It’s not hyperbole to say that the best competition Saubert faced was this week in practice at the Shrine Game. Saubert, measuring in at 6 feet 5 inches, 250 pounds, showed not only that he belonged but could dominate.

On his first notable catch of practice, he had to slide near the sideline to secure the ball with a linebacker falling to the ground with him. He’s not the fastest tight end, but Saubert had no problem making contested catches regularly. His hands and concentration were outstanding, but Saubert also showed he could run clean routes too.

Simply put, the Broncos need help at tight end. They don’t really have a set starter at the position, as both Virgil Green and A.J. Derby split snaps in 2016. Green and Derby will return in similar roles for 2017, but finding a diamond in the rough like Saubert could pay off in the long run.

Jalen Robinette, wide receiver, Air Force

Players who shine at Monday’s practice sometimes don’t continue to make plays as the week goes on. Jalen Robinette was the talk of the West practice on Monday, and after a slow start on Tuesday he showed that he was not a one-day wonder.

The Air Force receiver measured in at 6 feet 3 inches, 215 pounds and had some of the biggest hands (10 3/4) of any player in this game.

Robinette’s big hands allow him to make circus catches seem routine. He made one-handed catches a couple of times each day — but he wasn’t showing off. Instead, Robinette caught the balls that way as he adjusted to several poorly thrown passes.

He has great concentration and sideline awareness when running out routes. Robinette’s size also allows him to naturally box out defenders for red-zone targets.

The Broncos are in need of a third wide receiver behind stars Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Robinette is an outside receiver, but his bulk, strength, and ability to make difficult catches could make him a favorite of the scouting staff.

Dan Skipper, offensive tackle, Arkansas

Colorado high school football has more prospects for the NFL than some think. Dan Skipper played in high school for Ralston Valley High School and was originally going to continue his football career in college at the University of Colorado.

When Jon Embree’s staff was fired, Skipper did not get much attention from the new staff. With attention from the Buffaloes fading, Skipper had interest from the Tennessee Volunteers and Arkansas Razorbacks, deciding to play for the latter.

Skipper towers over opponents at 6 feet 10 inches and certainly had the attention of scouts this week. Being that tall didn’t hurt his chances of blocking smaller edge rushers in one-on-one drills. Skipper does a good job of bending at the knees instead of the waist when engaging defenders on the outside.

His inside post leg is strong, but his footwork will need to improve against speedier opponents. Skipper showed the tools to work in the pros, pancaking and redirecting defenders with strength and confidence.

The Broncos offensive line needs a massive overhaul this offseason. They are likely to upgrade the unit in free agency, where players like Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth could be available.

However, if they want a developmental tackle prospect with upside, then Skipper might be worth a look.

Honorable mentions

William Holden, offensive tackle from Vanderbilt, has been a standout during the week of practice.

The “pit” is where offensive linemen go against defensive linemen one on one. Holden went up against arguably the best defensive lineman on the East squad, Florida Atlantic’s Trey Hendrickson, and did not give up ground. He may not have “won” against Hendrickson, but their reps against each other were some of the best to watch.

Holden has the functional strength and reach to be a quality starter in the NFL – but many scouts I talk to believe it would be best if he moved inside to guard at the pro level.

Gabe Marks, wide receiver from Washington State, is a smaller player with big time playmaking ability. Measuring in at 6 feet, 187 pounds, Marks isn’t imposing with his size, but his speed and agility make him dangerous anytime he touches the ball.

Marks got open consistently in practice with explosive moves at the stem of his route. He doesn’t tip off where the route is going, and he is a more refined route runner than a lot of college receivers.

If the Broncos want to find a Tyreek Hill-like prospect, then Marks could be that guy.

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3 East-West Shrine Game offensive prospects the Broncos should target