Pass rushers stand out at East-West Shrine Game

Miami defensive end Anthony Chickillo looked at home playing 4-3 defensive end and likely helped his NFL Draft stock. Meanwhile, Kentucky's Za'Darius Smith entered and exited as the game's best player.

One of the biggest strengths in the 2015 NFL Draft is the depth of edge pass rushers. There is a wealth of both 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers. At the East-West Shrine Game – where teams have to use a four-man front – a few of those pass rushers stood out. That means they most likely boosted their draft stock, and their accompanying bank account.

In what turned out to be a dull game, Miami's Anthony Chickillo in particular was the standout during the East's 19-3 win over the West. Throughout the game Chickillo showed off an impressive first step to beat opposing offensive linemen. Miami often lined up in a 3-4 front this season, forcing Chickillo to play with power instead of quickness. The change Saturday afternoon was notable.

Chickillo was often lined up opposite Kentucky's Za'Darius Smith. When the rosters for the game were released, it was apparent that Smith was the best player in the game. He proved it often, especially in the first half of the game. When Smith lined up against Arizona's Mickey Baucus, he used his handwork and power to disrupt the pocket. Smith isn't a speed rusher, and will likely be best at left end in the NFL. But on the right side he was effective. Smith is a fringe top 100 pick who can keep his positive momentum going at this week's Senior Bowl.

The East team had another pass rusher stand out in Jermauria Rosco of LSU. He projects out to outside linebacker in a 3-4, but looked good at end. He's more of a pure speed rusher than Chickillo and Smith and is better at beating an offensive tackle to the edge.

One of the best performances of the day was turned in by Louisville guard John Miller. He received strong reviews throughout a week of practices and that translated in the game. Miller is a guard who often moved to the strong side of Louisville's protection, which is unique. He stayed at right guard exclusively in the game, and has a future there as a starter going forward. During the NFL Network broadcast, announcers Mike Mayock and Charles Davis concluded that Miller could be a good third-round pick, and that sounds about right. Last year five guards were picked in the third round of the draft.

Cardinals teammate Jamon Brown played well at right tackle, as did Mississippi State's Dillon Day at center. Day is another Shrine player who received the call up to the Senior Bowl.

Southern California cornerback Josh Shaw is another player headed to Mobile, Alabama next week. That's good news for Shaw who needs the reps after missing a large chunk of last season for the Trojans. Shaw played well at the Shrine game when he could use his press ability. Shaw isn't as good when he's playing off coverage, but is physical at the line to press receivers. Shaw also put in good time on special teams, a necessity for a player not expected to get picked in the first two rounds. He had a second quarter interception that really encapsulates his career. It was a good play pulling in an interception in the end zone. But then he decided to bring it out and was tackled at the seven-yard line. Not smart.

Some other players who stood out at the East-West Shrine Game:

- LSU running back Terrence Magee was good at times. He's not particularly big or fast, but he runs with good patience and vision. He busted a couple runs for good games. As the game wore on, however, Louisville running back Dominique Brown began to look more and more impressive. He had 69 yards on 19 carries and bulled in for the game's only touchdown.

- This was not a good game for quarterbacks. All six who played struggled and none may get drafted. As a result, none of the wide receivers looked particularly well. The Shrine game could have been a showcase for former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, but he didn't get many opportunities. Neither did Maryland's Deon Long, who reportedly had a good week of practices.

- The exception at wide receiver was Arizona's Austin Hill. He had four catches for 41 yards and nearly pulled down a spectacular reception down the sidelines.

- Ben Heeney of Kansas is a player to keep an eye on. He's not going to get drafted high. But he's the type of middle linebacker who could be found late and make an impact early in his career. For a middle linebacker, the most important trait is moving toward the ball on his first move. That's what makes Luke Kuechly so good. Now, Heeney isn't Kuechly 2.0, but he shares that trait. Heeney can handle himself in coverage and can be used on delayed interior blitzes. He just needs to get stronger without jeopardizing his quickness.

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