Day 2 of the East West Shrine game practices
Let me put these players into perspective, most of the players will be Day Three selections or UDFA signees. However, don’t think they can’t play or won’t be any good. Tom Brady played in the East West Shrine game as did Sebastian Vollmer.
Efton Chism – WR Eastern Washington – When you write about a guy two days in a row he must be impressing a lot of people. Steeler Depot has three folks watching the practices and all three commented about how he put together two good days of practice. Joe Clarke says “He has really reliable hands and is so shifty in space”. Melanie Friedlander went on to say “ He flashes on every play. A late add to the roster, he has shown that he belongs here. He reminds me of a classic Bill Belichick era Patriots slot receiver. Good burst, quick feet, sharp cuts, and always seems to know where the ball is at all times.” He had a scare at the end of practice with a twisted ankle, but he did not appear to be affected by it. Chism is 5’10”, 195-pounds. His estimated 40-yard dash is just 4.57. In 2024 his stats line was 120-1311-13 and in 2022 it was 83-937-8. Remember that Eastern Washington gave us Kendrick Bourne and the Rams Cooper Kupp. His 3-cone drill time will be a good indicator if he can play in this league. Cooper Kupp’s 40 was 4.62 but the 3-cone was a very fast 6.75.
Elijah Roberts – EDGE- Southern Methodist – He put another show on today with an assortment of pass rush moves, inside and out. Again, when a name shows up on multiple reports for two straight practices you need to pat attention. Roberts is 6’3” 290-pounds and an estimated 4.76 40-yard dash.
Drew Kendall- OC- Boston College – Kendall has been one of the best linemen at these practices. The coaches have moved him to OG and he has played very well there. He has the NFL lineage as his father Pete Kendal played 12 years in the NFL.
Alijah Huzzie – CB- UNC– He too has put together two good days of practices. The 5’9”, 190-pound DB is projected as a Nickel Back because of his size. His projected 4.55 speed might hold him back. Huzzie sustained a knee injury late in practice and is not expected to participate in anymore activities in the East West Shrine game. Hopefully he will be ready for Pro Day workouts.
Thomas Perry – OG-Middlebury (VT D3) He is making quite the impression here in Texas. Perry has been flawless with his technique, outshining players from higher levels of competition. Perry is supposed to obliterate the weightlifting record when he does his Pro Day. He has short arms and stands just 6’2”. I think he will need to move to Center in order to make it. Look for him to go undrafted. Remember what Quinn Meinerz did a few years back, going from a D3 star, to getting drafted by Denver. Meinerz is the #3 ranked Guard in the league per PFF.
CJ West -NT- Indiana – At just 6’ and half inch, 311-pounds, he has been all over the place down in Texas this week. Every report I have seen has mentioned West. This is an extremely loaded draft at the Defensive Tackle position, and particularly at Nose Tackle. That is why West will probably last until Day 3.
Jordan Phillips – DT – Maryland – The 6’1” 314-pound Nose Tackle has impressed in both practices. He won many one-on – one battles and had a very impressive swim move. His quickness was on display, as he easily got leverage on the blockers.
Oronde Gadsen – TE – Syracuse – It helps having your college QB throwing you passes but Gadsen is beating up the Linebackers here. He is heads and shoulders above all other TE’s. The 6’4” 247-pound receiver is just that, a receiver, not a TE. He doesn’t block but does run a 4.5 40-yard-dash.
Robert Longerbeam – CB- Rutgers – The 5’10, 171-pound DB is a little undersized, but he has been showing up in 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 drills. His estimated 40 time is 4.5, which is good for a DB. He had a couple of Pass Breakups and was one of the most consistent players in the secondary over both days.
Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans practiced yesterday but was in street clothes today. He is another victim of the extended season taking a toll on a player. Let’s hope the Notre Dame and Ohio State players will all be ready for the NFL Combine.
Dell Pettus an UnDrafted Free Agent Journey
I have to highlight a great article written by Andrew Guindon for The Patriots Beat. Bottom line is that Dell Pettus beat the odds to make it in the NFL. He was the 2nd highest rated UDFA by PFF with a 73.9 rating. That is also the best rating of any rookie Safety in the league. Take the time to read the article here.
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Merrimack Valley native and lifelong fan of the New England Patriots. My earliest memories of the Patriots were attending as a child with my dad, the off-season practice at Phillips Academy. I was at the Patriots game at Harvard Stadium in 1970 where Bob “Harpo” Gladieux was called out of the stands by the stadium announcer over the PA to play in the game. Analyzing the draft since ESPN first started to televise it in 1980 and former writer for the Lowell Sun Newspaper.
