With all the hype surrounding the Senior Bowl, I'm surprised no one was paying attention to the Shrine Game (which I was happy to attend). A lot of those guys have NFL talent but for some reason or another either didn't get it done at Division 1 or went to a small school. Or, in Anthony AuClair's case, played ball north of the border.
Here's a list of guys that showed out in the game that the Bucs could definitely use:
Alex Highsmith EDGE Charlotte- This guy left Shrine Week as the best pass rusher on the field. He had a ton of hype coming into the week after finishing third in the nation in sacks during the 2019 season and he held up to the expectations throughout the week of practice from what scouts are telling me. He checked in well at 6’3″ 247 lbs. with good arm length. Throughout the week Highsmith showed his bend and flexibility in drills and during the game really showed off his burst off the line. He probably will be the first player drafted from his team, quite possibly early on the 3rd day. Only reason he'll be a third day pick is because of his school. Had he performed like this in the Power 5, he wouldn't even be in this game. The Bucs need all the edge rushing help they can get, espeically if JPP and Shaq are allowed to walk.
Binjimen Victor WR Ohio State- This guy had had an excellent weigh-in coming in at 6’3″ 196 lbs and demonstrated the ability to use his length to create separation and win jump ball situations. From what I've gathered about the practice week leading up to the game, corners struggled to stick with him during 1-on-1 drills. He proved that in the game during one of the highlight plays of the day. He used his size to go up and attack the ball on a flea-flicker TD pass while being double covered. Victor showed off his excellent body control and hands and finished the game with 2 receptions, 50 yards, and the TD. This receiver class is so deep but he sure climbed up a few spots in it. Like Highsmith, I see him as an early day 3 pick. The Bucs could use another sure handed receiver that has Evans height and Miller's speed.
James Morgan QB FIU- This guy was the best QB in the game, hands down. He has NFL prototype size at 6’4″ 223 lbs and displayed an arm that could make all the necessary throws. On game day he started and showed that he could lead a team and manage a game. Morgan finished the day going 9/14 for 116 yards and 1 TD in essentially one half of play. After this performance, he may have gone from UDFA to a 6th or 7th round pick. The Bucs definitely need a QB that can learn on the job and possibly develop into a starter.
James Robinson RB Illinois State- This guy is a bowling ball. He measured in at 5’9″ and a thick 222 lbs. Coming into the practice week, Robinson had a lot of questions from scouts about his burst and overall speed. From what I've gathered on his practices, he wasted no time addressing those issues. Several times during the practice week Robinson took the handoff, stuck his foot in the ground to make one cut, and then shot through the running lane. He carried this over to the game. It all came together for him on a 63-yard touchdown run where he burst through the left side of the line and then outran everybody on his way to the end zone. I didn’t really know of James Robinson until I saw this game. He definitely made a name for himself this week and I think, like Morgan, he could slip into the last round. The Bucs need help at running back in the worst way and having extra bodies at camp will definitely strengthen the competition.
