2016 East-West Shrine Game Prospects (Defense)

East

1. James Burgess 6'0 229 LB Louisville

- The hidden gem of the standouts from Florida that the Cardinals recruited under Charlie Strong. He is a tackling machine. Needs to hit the weight room or convert to safety as 229 isn't ideal for an inside linebacker. Athleticism is above average. Better suited as a downhill blitzer.

2. DJ White 5'11 185 S Georgia Tech

- White is one of the more underrated corners nationally. He had a solid 2015 campaign even his Yellow Jackets struggled as a whole. A decent amount of size but needs to hit the weight room and fill out the frame some more. White has some solid hip movements. Footwork is above average. Could be a mid round pick with some work.

3. Deon Bush 6'1 205 S Miami (FL)

- Bush is a Canes lifer in that he stuck around even with all the negativity surrounding the program. On the field, he could end up challenging for the best safety in the class when it’s all said and done. Miami’s best defender and it isn’t close. Been used in a variety of situations. Needs to hit the weight room along with Coley. Fundamentally sound tackler and is very consistent in pass defense.

4. Connor Wujciak 6'3 301 DT Boston College

- Boston College always has a guy like him in the front seven. A guy who enjoys the dirty work in the trenches. Doesn't bring much in the pass rush department but is very fundamentally sound in the run game. Work ethic and motor are very good.

5. Terrance Smith 6'4 230 LB Florida State

- Smith was the heir apparent to current Jaguars standout Telvin Smith (no relation). He's an athletic run and chase inside linebacker that finally put it together in 2015 after flashes in the past. Athleticism is above average for his position. The injury history is a concern as he's piled up little nicks here and there, particularly in the knees. Could be a fast riser up the boards.

6. Nile Lawrence-Stample 6'1 302 DT Florida State

- NLS is the latest Seminole defensive lineman bound for the pros after sitting behind Baltimore Raven Timmy Jernigan and Chicago Bear Eddie Goldman. His major playing time was brief but he did make an impact on the field. Held up well at the point of attack. Well schooled in the fundamentals as are most d-tackles at FSU under the leadership of DL coach Odell Haggins. Scheme versatile.

WEST

1. Aziz Shittu 6'3 279 DL Stanford

-  He was named to the All Pac-12 first team, which is a considerable accomplishment given the talent in the conference at his position. Possesses good fundamentals as a run stopper, having a good tackle form and ball skills. Solid pass rusher although stats don't bear that out. Not the best athlete but fundamentals is one of the more impressive attributes in his game. It allows him to get by with less than ideal physical tools. A pure 4-3 end prospect at this point.

2. Luther Maddy 6'2 283 DL Virginia Tech

- A poor man's Jurrell Casey if you will. He's a traditional pass rushing defensive tackle with a decent amount of agility. His strong base and subsequent pass rush moves/run defense compare favorably to DaQuan Jones.

3. Travis Feeney 6'4 226 LB Washington

- Feeney might the nation's most underrated linebacker prospect this year. He's a freak athlete with great speed and good instincts. Fundamentally sound as a tackler. Position versatile as he can line up both inside and outside, even at end sometimes. If the Titans hit their Pac-12 pipeline again for this guy, I'd be all for it.

4. Aaron Wallace 6'3 240 LB UCLA

- Wallace stepped in for the injured Myles Jack and performed admirably. While not as athletic as Jack, he can hold up at the point of attack better. Instinctive and fundamentally sound. NFL bloodlines as father Aaron senior was an Oakland Raider for eight years after a standout career at Texas A&M.

5. Jamal Golden 6'0 195 S Georgia Tech

- Golden is one of the best safeties in the ACC. His measureables aren’t the greatest in the world but makes up for it with tremendous instincts and closing speed. Golden is fundamentally sound in all aspects of the defense. Experienced as a kick returner. Has an injury history as he was redshirted in 2013 for one.

6. De'Vondre Campbell 6'5 239 LB Minnesota

- Campbell is a very good athlete that could put on some more weight to fill out his frame. Could bulk up and play end if he chose to do so. This year's Deiontrez Mount as both are athletic marvels but lack some fundamentals. According to reports, he's showing out during the practices so far.

Bonus prospects to watch

EAST

Brian Poole 5'10 211 CB Florida

Anthony Harrell 6'2 237 LB Florida

Elijah Shumate 6'0 224 S Notre Dame

Jordan Lomax 5'10 205 S Iowa

Darien Harris 6'0 220 LB Michigan State

WEST

Gerald Dixon Jr 6'2 269 DL South Carolina

Cory Johnson 6'3 300 DL Kentucky

Alex Balducci 6'4 310 DL Oregon

Tevin Carter 6'1 215 S Utah