The East-West Shrine Bowl is about to kick off, and the spotlight is on the defensive players who could make a name for themselves. But who are the rising stars that NFL teams should keep an eye on? Here's a deep dive into some of the most intriguing defensive prospects, with a special focus on those who might catch the attention of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cornerback with a Star Potential:
Domani Jackson, the former USC and Alabama star, is a player to watch. With a 6'1" frame and 196 pounds of athleticism, he's a man-to-man coverage specialist. His time at Alabama saw him reach new heights, especially in 2024 when he dominated with 51 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. But here's where it gets interesting: despite his impressive stats, there's still room for growth, and Dallas' new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, might just be the man to unlock his full potential. Parker's reputation for player development could be the key to Jackson's success in the NFL.
The Hometown Hero:
Dontay Corleone, a Cincinnati native and a Bearcats legend, is a rare breed. He's a loyal prospect who stayed true to his hometown team throughout his college career. Corleone's journey saw him lead Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff as a freshman and then navigate the move to the Big 12 Conference. His versatility as a run-stopper and occasional pass rusher makes him an attractive prospect for teams seeking depth at the defensive tackle position. With his experience and proven ability, he could be a mid-round steal for any team looking for a battle-tested interior lineman.
The Explosive Linebacker:
Harold Perkins, the LSU standout, brings a unique skill set to the table. His freshman year was a breakout season, with 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. However, a positional change led to a different impact. NFL teams must decide how to best utilize his talents. As a pass rusher, he's a force to be reckoned with, but as a pure linebacker, there's room for growth. The Shrine Bowl provides a perfect stage for Perkins to showcase his abilities, especially with the Cowboys seeking pass-rushing improvement. Could he be the missing piece to their defensive puzzle?
The Versatile Hawkeye:
Karson Sharar, an Iowa product, aims to follow in the footsteps of NFL-bound linebackers like Jack Campbell and Ben Niemann. Sharar's versatility is his superpower, having played both weakside and middle linebacker. His recognition skills and football IQ are top-notch, as evidenced by his 83 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks this season. The Shrine Bowl practices are his chance to shine and prove he belongs in a talented linebacker draft class.
The Giant from Utah:
Lander Barton, standing at 6'5" and weighing 236 pounds, is an imposing figure on the field. His size doesn't hinder his athleticism, as he's shown with his impressive stats over the last two seasons. Barton's physicality and experience at Utah make him an intriguing prospect for the Cowboys, who desperately need linebacker depth. While refinement is needed in certain areas, his raw talent and coaching background make him a player to watch.
And this is the part most people miss: the Shrine Bowl isn't just a showcase of talent; it's a platform for these players to prove they have what it takes to make an impact in the NFL. With the Cowboys' defensive needs in mind, these prospects could be the missing pieces to their championship aspirations. Who do you think will make the biggest splash? Are there any other defensive players you're excited to see in action? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
