The Chargers and 31 other teams began watching to see which NFL draft prospects stand out at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl as the event got underway on Saturday in Frisco, TX.
Here are five potential targets that caught my attention.
CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas
Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton are slated for free agency. Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still proved their worth in the starting role, but the Chargers could benefit from more talent in the positional room. Bryant is on the lighter side at 171 pounds, but his play mitigates the measurements. Bryant made life difficult for the receivers he lined up across. He stayed glued to their hips and broke up several passes, using his physicality, athleticism and length to make plays on the football.
After reviewing the tape from East practice my vote for most impressive player has to go to Kansas CB Cobee Bryant
Ability to click and close as well as his feistiness for a skinnier CB (5-11, 171) on full display pic.twitter.com/IP6K0eIur0
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) January 25, 2025
OL Drew Kendall, Boston College
The Chargers need a center and right guard this offseason. They should be in the market to fill them in free agency, but the draft offers plenty of intriguing options in the middle to late rounds. Kendall is among the crop. Lining up at center and guard in 1-on-1s and team period, Kendall held rushers at bay with his strong anchor and excellent hand placement. In 2024, Kendall was an All-ACC first-team honoree.
DL CJ West, Indiana
Poona Ford and Teair Tart are both free agents. I expect them to be prioritized for re-signing, but this position group still needs more juice. West was dominant in every one of his reps during the 1-on-1 period, shocking blockers with power and catching them off guard with some slick pass-rush moves. Arguably one of this class’ best run-defending interior defenders, West was integral in Indiana’s run to the college football playoffs.
CJ West showing off the depth of his bag… spin move directly into a nasty push-pull.
Absolutely MASSIVE riser. IDL rankings coming soon. pic.twitter.com/Gcw3rcQ0Wq
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 25, 2025
EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., Virginia Tech
Like the interior defensive line, the edge defender group needs more juice, regardless of whether Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa are back. Powell-Ryland is on the smaller side but has the traits of a solid designated pass rusher. One of his many winning strategies is an inside spin move, which he showed off on his first rep of 1-on-1s. Powell-Ryland also looked quick and his power popped plenty. He finished third in the FBS in sacks this year with 16.0.
First 1-1 rep for Virginia Tech ED Antwaun Powell-Ryland at Shrine.
Twitch and a deep pass rush repertoire were all over his tape.📈 pic.twitter.com/x1xoMiNkha
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 25, 2025
RB Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
J.K. Dobbins is set to become a free agent. Gus Edwards is still under contract, but he struggled to stay healthy this season and could be a cut candidate. The jury is still out on Kimani Vidal. Therefore, the Chargers could use on their picks on a running back. Brooks, the 5-foot-9 and 229-pounder, had a few good reps, displaying his excellent vision, patience, and powerful running style between the tackles. Brooks finished his career with 4,557 yards rushing, now the Texas Tech school record.
