7 standout Shrine Bowl prospects who fit the Chiefs' draft blueprint

The 100th East-West Shrine Bowl will played on January 30th and can be watched on NFL Network.

2020 East–West Shrine Game
2020 East–West Shrine Game | Julio Aguilar/GettyImages

The NFL draft draws nearer every passing day, and while Kansas City Chiefs fans are focused on a 3-peat in the Big Easy, the Chiefs front office is already focused on the 2025 NFL Draft.

This week marks a significant landmark in the draft process. The East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl are college football's premier all-star games. Scouts can get an up-close look at some of the top talent headed into the draft competing against one another

The Chiefs have heavily invested in Shrine Bowl players in the past. Some familiar faces include punter Tommy Townsend, defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, running back Isiah Pacheco, pass rusher B.J. Thompson, defensive tackle Keondre Coburn, and 2024 draft picks offensive linemen Hunter Nourzad and CJ Hanson.

Odds are some future Chiefs playing in Dallas on Thursday night, so let's take a look at some candidates.

Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan

Kenneth Grant is one of the top prospects attending Shrine this week. He is expected to be a first-round pick or a very early Day 2 pick. He is a powerful two-gapping interior presence with explosive agility. A more developed run blocker than a pass rusher at this time but can collapse the pocket as a pass rusher, especially in one-on-one situations. A nice fit next to a strong pass-rushing presence such as Chris Jones. Would likely fill the role of a Derrick Nnadi or Mike Pennel, both of whom are aging.

Raheim (Rocket) Sanders, RB, South Carolina

Sanders is an explosive straight-line runner with an ideal running back frame. He is a one-cut runner who can find a crease and hit it with explosiveness. He has solid contact balance and broken tackle numbers as well. His pad level can be a little high at times, and he hasn't factored into the passing game much, but in a loaded RB class, Sanders could be another impactful Day 3 RB prospect.

Ricky White, WR, UNLV

White was highly productive in his final two years at UNLV. At 6-00 200 lbs., he profiles as a Z receiver and a nice second or third option for a passing offense. He brings above average speed and after-the-catch ability. He tracks the ball well but is a limited route runner who has struggled against man coverage at times.

Nash Hutmacher, IDL, Nebraska

A state champion wrestler who also wrestled in college, Hutmacher (the polar bear) was the centerpiece of the Cornhusker defense alongside Ty Robinson. A strong-handed, powerful interior presence, he can line up at the nose or shaded inside the guard and win with leverage. He played through injury most of 2024, but in 2023, he had 6.5 sacks along the interior.

Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas

An undersized slot defender, Bryant plays bigger than his 6-00 170 lb. frame. He has a knack for generating ball production (13 career INT and 22 passes defended) and is a fiery run defender from the slot. The size concerns are clearly an issue and there are some questions about his long speed and ability to mirror with hip tightness. However, he's been a star of Shrine practices and just makes plays on tape.

Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa

When in doubt, just draft Iowa tight ends. Ironically, Lachey was supposed to be the next great Iowa TE after Sam LaPorta but injuries have held him back. He's a strong blocker who has the movement skills to get out and block in zone read offenses. He's a solid pass-catching threat across the middle of the field and up the seam. His big 6-5 255 lb. frame helps him play through contact and win as a blocker. There's not much after-the-catch ability for him though and he's still fairly stiff post-ankle surgery.

Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami

When it comes to pass-rush rate stats, Baron has been one of the most effective pass rushers in the country over the last few years. At 6-5 260 lbs., he has the prototypical length and size to rush from the outside and still win on the edge. He isn't the quickest or the bendiest edge rusher but he has a great first step and a well-developed pass rush arsenal. Should be able to be an adequate run defender.

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