East-West Shrine Game 2025: Highlights, Top Performers Who Boosted Draft Stock

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For 100 years, the East-West Shrine Bowl has been the showcase for college all-stars looking to take their talent to the next level. Current NFL stars such as Zay Flowers, Brock Purdy, and Kobie Turner all opened eyes on that stage while the game's greatest of all time, Tom Brady, Walter Payton, and Lawrence Taylor, all highlighted their skills for NFL scouts.

This year was no different.

While the East trounced the West 25-0 in one of the more one-sided games in the event's history, there were several individual players who stood out as potential draft targets for teams capable of finding hidden gems who will help carry them for years to come.

These are just a few.

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No player had a greater offensive impact on the game than former Arizona Wildcats running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

The redshirt senior earned MVP honors in the game, in which he took just 11 carries and turned them into 97 yards and two touchdowns.

NFL Draft Files @NFL_DF

Jacory Croskey-Merritt won Shrine Bowl MVP with 11 carries, 97 yards, and 2 TDs.<br><br>Shifty, productive back with great vision and incredible elusive ability. New Mexico/Arizona film looks like LeSean McCoy at times. Will be a major day 3 gem. <a href="https://t.co/F6EYPFDrSX">pic.twitter.com/F6EYPFDrSX</a>

He ate up huge chunks on each run and looked like the most dominant player on the field during his limited carries. His performance likely opened some eyes ahead of May's NFL draft, coming off of a disappointing final collegiate season.

Croskey-Merritt expected to play for the Wildcats in 2024 but eligibility questions left him with just 13 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown.

An elusive back who can turn on the jets at the second level, he will likely be the target of teams looking to bolster their offensive backfield in the later rounds of the draft. Based on his ability to find holes and explode through them, it is not out of the question that he has a solid NFL career at running back, for whichever team takes a chance on him.

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While the eyes of the NFL are on possible No. 1 overall pick Shadeur Sanders, brother Shiloh showcased his abilities in the game.

Amid pressure to perform and save himself a spot in May's NFL Draft, Sanders impressed at the East-West Shrine Game, breaking up passes and delivering hard, sure tackles that prevented the opposition from advancing the ball.

NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh

Shilo Sanders bounced back in a BIG way in the East West Shrine Bowl game.<br><br>Sanders was reportedly having an "extremely tough time" in practices this week, but put the noise to rest during the game.<br><br>Several NFL scouts reportedly still have Sanders tabbed as a "day three" pick as… <a href="https://t.co/0TgNZ4qIgI">pic.twitter.com/0TgNZ4qIgI</a>

A day-three pick at best, Sanders has the raw ability but has struggled at times to perform consistently. A quality performance on a big stage, with the front offices of NFL teams represented, will certainly help bolster his draft stock.

That was had a significant impact on a defense that pitched a shout-out against the West only solidified his status as one of the top players to bolster their stock at the game.

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Eastern Washington's Efton Chism III looks a lot like a fellow Eagles alum, Cooper Kupp.

A shifty wide receiver who can create separation thanks to his footwork, he gets open and makes tacklers miss, as evidenced by his 20-yard pickup in the Shrine Bowl.

Oliver Hodgkinson @ojhodgkinson

Eastern Washington's Efton Chism rounded out a nice week with a stellar <a href="https://twitter.com/ShrineBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShrineBowl</a> game showing.<br><br>- 4 targets<br>- 4 catches<br>- 43 yards <br><br>⬇️ this 20-yard pick up with a good chunk after the catch 🔥 <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/uJserhzO2M">pic.twitter.com/uJserhzO2M</a>

Playing primarily out of the slot, he caught every ball thrown his way while showing an elusiveness that allows him to take an eight yard pass for significantly more yardage.

While some will question his size (5'10'', 195 pounds), he does all of the things that have made smaller slot receivers thrive in the NFL. With the right coach, he has the ability to be a contributor at the next level and someone who can be a legitimate breakout star in this year's draft.

NFL Draft Files @NFL_DF

Efton Chism III has been COOKING at the Shrine Bowl 👀 <br><br>Put up an absurd 3840 yards and 37 TDs at Eastern Washington while only dropping 3% of passes with a 64% contested catch rate.<br><br>He was also first in yards/route run with 3.45 and forced 27 missed tackles.<br><br>Stock up <a href="https://t.co/v7vH4TSvAq">pic.twitter.com/v7vH4TSvAq</a>

One of the potential hidden gems, as highlighted by his performance both in the East-West game and throughout the week leading to it.