A player with Colorado connections shines in day two of the Shrine Game

This weekend I am in Las Vegas for the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl. I’m watching some mid- to late-round prospects here at the Shrine Bowl, and there are a few players who could into the stars of tomorrow in the NFL.

The second day of practice is always a telling day. I want to see if anyone from day one who stood out continues to shine or if they were just a flash in the pan. Believe me, I’ve seen a ton of players look good on the first day and then never do much of anything after that. I’m looking for consistency, and I’m also looking for players who may have disappointed on day one to see if they can get back on track.

On Saturday night in Vegas, I actually turned in right around midnight – so no late-night fun for me. Instead, I wanted to get some rest and be fresh for the second day of practice. I woke up, cleaned up a little bit and headed to the UNLV football complex.

Wild hair dont care. Excited for Day2 East practice at @ShrineBowl – seeing some gems this week. Such a well run practice. Report later today @1043TheFan #nfl #NFLDraft #Broncos pic.twitter.com/G2CVkksDn6

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) January 30, 2022

Who was standing out on the second day of practice here at the Shrine Bowl? Here is my report.

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Miami QB D’Eriq King

I came to this game looking forward to watching Miami quarterback D’Eriq King practice at both his college position and perhaps his projected pro position – wide receiver. I was told that King would get reps at both positions and perhaps get more wide receiver reps as the week of practice went on. On Sunday, I watched King work mostly at quarterback, but there were times he lined up at wide receiver.

As a passer, King does have some pass placement issues when going past 20 yards. Timing is sometimes off at these All-Star games because players haven’t worked together. I’m not too concerned about that during this week because that can be cleaned up with time. I do like his intent for finding the right target, and I felt at times King was pressing too much because he wants to prove he can make plays with his arm.

There is no doubt his legs make him dangerous anytime he touches the ball. King has ankle-breaking moves that can make defenders look silly. When receivers weren’t open, King attacked the defense with his rushing ability – ripping off a few big runs in team drills. I didn’t see his trademark spin move in the open field, but that speed is there.

👑 | @DeriqKing_ #ShrineBowl | @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/224nI6HO3R

— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 30, 2022

King is a versatile player who can make defenders miss regularly. His future in the NFL may not be as a quarterback, but with players moving around the formation like Falcons RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson, I’d like to see King get a shot to see what he can do as an OW – offensive weapon.

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Colorado LB Nate Landman

As a Colorado native and Buffs fan, I’ll always notice when CU players are standing out during these practices. On Sunday, I was pleased with what Colorado linebacker Nate Landman did on the practice field. He was the most vocal player for his defense, and Landman was regularly calling out the plays of the offense before they unfolded. Landman was also moving fellow defenders around before the snap, and his leadership skills were on full display.

I like the way he is always around the ball. Landman is in the mix no matter where the play goes. On rushing plays, Landman is there to make the tackle – although there is no live tackling in these practices. On passing plays, Landman does a good job of staying ahead of the play and anticipates the route his man is running.

@CUBuffsFootball. LB Nate Landman is having a great day of work here @ShrineBowl. Second day of practice

— Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP) January 30, 2022

Inside linebackers need to be able to cover in order to be more than part-time players in today’s NFL. Landman’s draft stock is be impacted by his testing numbers later this spring. On film and in person, Landman shows the ability to cover. He’ll need to back up that film with a good performance in the 40-yard dash and agility drills to give teams more comfort in selecting him.

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Arizona WR Stanley Berryhill III

One of the most consistent players over two days of practice has been Arizona wide receiver Stanley Berryhill III. He immediately stood out yesterday but did not make my report. On Sunday, I knew I would be writing him up if he performed well again. Berryhill did, so here we are.

Berryhill’s game is about quickness and route-running ability. College receivers are getting better, but it’s still rare for a prospect to have route-running ability this sharp. I like the way Berryhill sets up his man within the route. He’s too quick to jam at the line of scrimmage, and he seems to have an extra gear after the catch.

He can adjust to catches on the run, showing great concentration when passes are coming his way. Berryhill also ripped one out of the air today where he had to leap in order to bring the pass in. It was one play, but it showed (like his other plays) that he will go all out to make the catch.

Arizona WR Stanley Berryhill III has been crisp and quick both days. He is constantly open. pic.twitter.com/rm5w5rhIRk

— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) January 30, 2022

Berryhill is an intriguing prospect as a receiver, but his work as a return man will bump him up draft boards. He is one of the best special teams players in this draft class, and his quickness/speed combination make him a threat to score on any return from anywhere on the field.

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Quick Notes

I need to see Day 1 stars turn in strong performances on Day 2. That’s what happened with USC RB Keontay Ingram. I wrote him up on Saturday, and I could have easily done the same thing for Sunday. I’ll put it in the quick notes section because you need to know he did more of the same. Ingram was just toying with defenders out there in the open field and giving full effort whether it was running, catching passes or working in pass protection.

I would like to see Western Kentucky WR Jerreth Sterns get some more looks in practice. I was watching him closely over two days (hard not to notice that shiny helmet), and Sterns was getting open but not getting the ball. The quarterback play is not great here, so guys aren’t getting the best passes coming their way. However, Sterns has been beating his man but the quarterbacks have either been holding onto the ball too long or checking the ball down before seeing him open. Scouts know Sterns can play, and he’s the type of player who could be a sleeper in the draft.

I wanted to see more from North Carolina RB Ty Chandler, but it was Ingram who stole the show at the running back position. It’s not like Chandler has performed poorly – but he didn’t flash as much as his West teammate. Chandler is good in space and has speed to get to the corner on sweeps. I like his concentration as a receiver out of the backfield, and I wouldn’t mind him getting drafted by the Broncos to reunite with his college teammate Javonte Williams.

It’s all about authority and discipline with Middle Tennessee State LB DQ Thomas. I like the way he flies to the football and keeps his man in front of him in coverage. He’s a high football intelligence player who doesn’t take false steps and therefore does not overrun plays.

Miami WR Charleston Rambo could put on a clinic of how to play wide receiver. He’s always open. I’m not exaggerating when I report – he’s always open. At the stem of his route, Rambo can make quick cuts with precision where he doesn’t lose much speed. After the catch, Rambo can be dangerous because of the same quickness. Rambo will also go all out to make a catch – stretching and reaching for passes almost out of his reach but also working the sidelines and showing good field awareness too.

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