East-West game draws late-round prospects

The Senior Bowl in Mobile is the premiere postseason college all-star game for NFL draft hopefuls. However, only about 75 players are invited to participate in that game and preceding week of practices that occur under the watchful eye of NFL scouts, coaches, and personnel executives. There are many more draft prospects that that so this week many of them will be participating in the East-West Shrine game in Orlando. While it is a second-tier bowl—nothing screams that like the fact that the coaches are Dan Reeves and Wade Phillips—many of the players there will be considered by the Redskins in the later rounds of the draft, which is where most of Washington’s draft picks are located. Since the Redskins will be fishing in these waters it’s worth a glance to look at some of those who are playing and what they have to show scouts in Orlando. There also are some local players of interest playing in the game so we’ll take a look at some of them as well. You can view the entire roster here. Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech—Taylor suffered his first defeat before he even took the practice field as he measured just a shade over six feet tall (6 ft., 0.6 inches to be exact). The list of successful NFL quarterbacks who are vertically challenged is, well, short. While his eventual future in the NFL may be showcasing his speed and elusiveness as a wide receiver and returner rather than as a quarterback, he will try to impress the coaches at the position where he earned ACC Player of the Year honors in 2010. Ricky Dobbs, QB, Navy—Not only does Dobbs face challenges as a quarterback as he measured shorter than Taylor (5 ft., 10.7 inches), he will have to fulfill an obligation to serve in the Navy before he can start an NFL career. Like Taylor, his leadership ability would be welcome at the quarterback spot in the NFL but difficulties throwing over onrushing 6-4 linemen likely will require him to find another position. Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware—Now we’re getting to someone who could be on the Redskins’ radar if they decide to address other needs early in the draft and go for a quarterback in the later rounds. Devlin stands tall in the pocket at 6-4 and he demonstrated great toughness by playing last year with a broken wrist. Although some have said that there are concerns about his accuracy issues in the pocket Devlin, who transferred from Penn State, completed 68 per cent of his passes in 2010. Da’Rel Scott, RB, Maryland—Here is a local player who may be of interest to the Redskins. Scott is a late-round running back prospect and if Washington does go for a back it will be on Saturday, in the latter phase of the draft. He impressed scouts with his lower body, with powerful-looking legs. If you’re looking for Scott during the game (Saturday at 4:00 on the NFL Network) you might get confused as he is playing on the West team. Taylor and Warren of Virginia Tech, which is west of College Park, will be on the East squad. Beau Warren, C, Virginia Tech—The son of Joe Gibbs-era tight end Donnie Warren is probably looking for a shot as an undrafted free agent. At 6-3, 292 he could be a zone-blocking prospect if he has enough mobility. Will Rackley, C, Lehigh—The good things about these games is that they give some players from small schools a chance to show their stuff. Rackley, 6-3, 307, was impressive in one on one drills as practice started on Tuesday. As with all of the small school prospects, Rackley wants to demonstrate to scouts that he can thrive while stepping up a level in terms of competition. Join Rich for a chat during both of the conference championship games this Sunday, Jan. 23. We can talk about the games, try to figure out how the Redskins beat both of the NFC finalists, discuss the Redskins’ prospects in free agency and in the draft, and anything else you want to chat about. Things will get underway at www.RealRedskins.com when the NFC game kicks off at 3:00 and go all the way through Jets-Steelers whenever that may end. See you there!