3 East-West Shrine Game defensive prospects the Broncos should target
Jan 19, 2017, 7:40 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 are likely to look similar on defense in 2017, even though defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was not retained. In his place, former defensive backs coach Joe Woods will now be in command of the entire defense.
The first order of business for Woods should be finding a way to improve the Broncos rush defense.
Currently, there are two defensive players — safeties Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward — on the roster that participated in the Shrine Game when they came out of college. The Broncos will most certainly be looking for defensive talent in Tampa this week.
Here are three defensive players the Broncos should target from the Shrine Game:
Josh Tupou, defensive tackle, Colorado
The player who helped himself the most this week is one University of Colorado fans know well. Defensive tackle Josh Tupou entered the week with plenty to prove, and he got things off to an interesting start at the weigh in. Listed at 345 pounds, Tupou tipped the scales at 362 pounds — and that kicked off talk about how increased weight could slow him down.
Instead, Tupou came through with the best and most-consistent performance of any player at the Shrine Game. During one-on-one drills in “the pit,” Tupou used his size to push back offensive linemen against their will.
He gets off the snap quickly, stays low and drives through blocks with his powerful lower body. Even when opponents put their hands in his chest, Tupou was able to use his violent, striking hands to chop his way through to their bodies.
During team drills, Tupou regularly drew more than one blocker — and early sign of the respect the offense was giving him.
The Broncos could use a run-stuffer at nose tackle, and Tupou would be a great mid- or late-round pick.
With Woods at defensive coordinator, the Broncos are likely to keep the 3-4 defense that Phillips introduced in 2015. Tupou is a mountain of a man who is difficult to move inside. His presence in the middle, where he could eat up double teams, would allow the edge-rushers to wreak havoc on the outside.
Trey Hendrickson, defensive end, Florida Atlantic
Sometimes a change of position helps college prospects become better pros. A move from college defensive end to pro outside linebacker may be in the cards for Florida Atlantic’s Trey Hendrickson.
A star in pass-rushing drills, Hendrickson was unstoppable during practice. Measuring in at 6 feet 4 inches and 255 pounds, Hendrickson was able to get by blockers by using speed, power, and various moves. Hendrickson was able to bend and burst around the edge consistently, but he also used a bull rush move to push opponents back. Hendrickson was effective using the swim, rip and swim moves to get by blockers.
The Broncos are known as one of the best teams when it comes to getting after the passer. Even though they have plenty of pass rushers on the roster, they could always use another one.
Adding Hendrickson in the final round of the draft — where he’s currently projected — would give them a developmental prospect with Pro Bowl upside.
Aarion Penton, cornerback, Missouri
Aggressive play from the secondary is certainly a hallmark of the Broncos, and that’s why Missouri cornerback Aarion Penton may be an option. Penton was ninth in the country with 17 passes defensed in 2016 — five picks and 12 pass breakups.
He wasted no time showcasing his ball-hawking talent this week in practice at the Shrine Game. Penton intercepted a pass early in practice, and he showed good speed and agility after the pick.
He was arguably the most vocal player in practice, and Penton certainly does not lack confidence. Penton had 17 disrupted drop backs in 2016, which ranks 15th for all defensive players in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He can pick off passes or break up passes consistently, and that talent followed him to the Shrine Game.
The Broncos may have the best secondary in the NFL. Even though the roster is jam packed with talent, they could always use better depth at the position.
They could pick up Penton in the fifth round of the draft, and he could develop as a nickel corner behind All-Pro Chris Harris Jr.
Honorable mentions
Tedric Thompson, safety from Colorado, showed great leadership qualities this week. Working with a few of his college teammates, Thompson took charge of the defense early. He was vocal on the field and was regularly seen directing teammates to the right spot before the ball was snapped.
Thompson is a versatile player who can line up close to the line to stuff the run or play off coverage to read a pass play as it unfolds.
Weston Steelhammer, safety from Air Force, is known as safety with a nose for the ball. Like Thompson, Steelhammer had 7 interceptions this year — a total that ranked No. 2 in the FBS.
During the week of practice, Steelhammer did a good job of staying with his man in coverage. He’s not fooled by pump fakes or play fakes, and Steelhammer seems to be in every play.
