The 2011 East-West Shrine Game takes place this Sunday in Orlando, Florida, but the week leading up to the game is particularly important NFL scouts and executives. The game itself is hard to judge because players are working with individuals they’ve never played with before and are trying to implement modified playbooks. During the week of practice, players have a chance to show off their individual technique and also conduct one-on-one interviews with NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. This information will all be compiled in order to better assess each player as the 2011 NFL Draft approaches.
The Bay Area has a pair of representatives in the Shrine Game in the form of Cal LB Michael Mohamed and Stanford WR Ryan Whalen. The two players are on the West roster and have had a chance to show their stuff this week. DraftInsider.net has individuals on the ground at practice and had some comments on both players:
Ryan Whalen WR Stanford
Tues: Made a number of acrobatic receptions all afternoon, diving around the field and catching the ball. Worked hard but no speed.Wed: Made some sensational catches all day. Fought hard for the ball and showed great concentration. Also made the catch of the day after a deep pass which was a sure interception for Korey Lindsey bounced off the Southern Illinois corners hands. Whalen stayed with the action and made the catch. Edit- with apologies to Korey Lindsey, we had dinner with Whalen this evening and Ryan corrected us- it was not Lindsey who dropped the sure interception it was Cortez Allen of The Citadel.
Michael Mohamed LB California
Tues: Used at outside linebacker and did not look comfortable.
Wed: Had a tough day at outside linebacker and constantly trailed all the tight ends in coverage drills, giving up a lot of receptions.
CBS Sports also had some comments on Mohamed:
Mohamed hustled to the ball, but lacks the strength to hold the edge as a strong-side ’backer.