Eli Heidenreich, Mark Gronowski Shine at Shrine Bowl: 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
The East-West Shrine Bowl, now in its 101st edition, took place on Tuesday night at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. This year’s rosters featured an impressive lineup of athletes, raising expectations ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Last year, 51 Shrine Bowl participants were drafted, a number that may rise this year due to the exceptional talent available.
Eli Heidenreich and Mark Gronowski Shine at the Shrine Bowl
This year’s Shrine Bowl showcased numerous standout players, particularly in the defensive linemen and skill position categories. Eli Heidenreich emerged as the fastest running back, clocking in at 20.01 mph. Heidenreich is Navy’s all-time leading receiver and displayed exceptional versatility, making him a compelling prospect for teams on Day 3 of the draft.
Key Performers and Highlights
- Skyler Bell, WR: A notable figure, Bell made a mark with 102 receptions last season. He registered 20.1 mph during practices, making him a top candidate for Rounds 2-3.
- Mark Gronowski, QB: The Iowa standout presented a strong performance, demonstrating athletic ability and downfield passing consistency.
- John Jackson III, DL: At 6-foot-5 and 328 pounds, Jackson impressed with a powerful presence, though he faced challenges maintaining leverage against competitors.
- J.J. Smith, DL: Known for his stout presence, Smith effectively disrupted plays during run drills, indicating strong potential as a draft prospect.
- Harold Perkins Jr., LB: Transitioning from edge rusher to stack linebacker, Perkins showed remarkable speed and coverage skills.
Additional Notable Players
- Lawrence, Edge: Showing impressive speed with a 19.32 mph clocking, his potential as a rush specialist is noteworthy.
- Aidan Raridon, TE: A 6-foot-5 target, Raridon consistently created separation and demonstrated good catching ability.
- Zach Rucci, OT: A former five-star recruit, Rucci exhibited nimbleness for his size and solid performance in pass protection.
- Taurean York, LB: His strong outing during the week solidified his status as a worthy draft candidate.
With several players enhancing their draft stock during the Shrine Bowl, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to be captivating for fans and teams alike. Keep an eye on these athletes as they transition into their professional careers, showcasing their skills and athletic prowess.
