Best Performers from 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl

The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl once again delivered a valuable stage for NFL Draft prospects to separate themselves in front of league decision-makers. In a competitive matchup filled with situational football and high effort, six players — three on offense and three on defense — emerged as the most impactful performers of the night.

Offensive Standouts

1. Mark Gronowski, QB — Iowa

Scouting Grade: Solid Backup / Spot Starter Projection

Round Projection: Round 5–6

Gronowski earned Offensive MVP honors by showcasing poise, efficiency, and leadership. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 86 yards, added 28 rushing yards, and consistently made sound decisions under pressure. His willingness to block at the goal line stood out as a moment scouts will remember.

Evaluation: Gronowski doesn’t have elite arm strength, but his processing, mobility, and competitiveness give him legitimate NFL value. He profiles as a developmental backup who can win games in spot-start situations.

2. Dom Richardson, RB — Tulsa

Scouting Grade: Rotational Power Back / Special Teams Contributor

Round Projection: Round 6–7

Richardson delivered the defining moment of the game with a game-winning 3-yard touchdown run, powering through contact at the goal line. Throughout the contest, he ran with purpose, balance, and toughness.

Evaluation: Richardson’s calling card is physicality. While he lacks breakaway speed, his downhill running style, short-yardage effectiveness, and pass protection ability make him a strong late-round depth option.

3. Kaden Wetjen, WR / KR — Iowa

Scouting Grade: Versatile Depth Receiver / Return Specialist

Round Projection: Round 7 / Priority Free Agent

Wetjen flashed his versatility as both a receiver and return specialist, showing quickness in space and toughness working underneath routes. His ability to contribute in multiple phases helped him stand out.

Evaluation: Wetjen projects best as a slot receiver and return option. His path to sticking on an NFL roster will be through his special teams value and reliable short-area production.

Defensive Standouts

4. Mason Reiger, EDGE — Wisconsin

Scouting Grade: High-End Rotational Edge / Starter Upside

Round Projection: Round 3–4

Reiger was the most disruptive defender on the field and earned Defensive MVP honors. He consistently won off the edge with power, hand usage, and relentless effort, creating pressure throughout the night.

Evaluation: Reiger has the physical tools and motor that look for in early-down edge defenders. He projects as an immediate rotational contributor with legitimate starter upside in the right scheme.

5. Avery Smith, CB — Toledo

Scouting Grade: Nickel Corner / Special Teams Core Player

Round Projection: Round 4–5

Smith impressed with his physical coverage, competitiveness at the catch point, and overall awareness. He consistently challenged receivers and showed the instincts necessary to play inside at the next level.

Evaluation: Smith profiles as a nickel corner who can contribute early on special teams. His toughness and football IQ should earn him a role in sub-packages as a rookie.

6. Landon Robertson, DT — Navy

Scouting Grade: Interior Rotational Defender

Round Projection: Round 6–7

Robertson played with nonstop effort, using quickness and leverage to disrupt plays in the backfield. Despite lacking prototypical size, he consistently stressed interior blockers.

Evaluation: Robertson fits best as a rotational interior defender in an attacking front. His motor and discipline give him a strong chance to carve out a role as a depth defensive lineman.

Final Takeaway

The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl once again proved its value as a proving ground for mid-round NFL talent. Mark Gronowski and Mason Reiger solidified themselves as draftable prospects with upside, while players like Dom Richardson, Kaden Wetjen, Avery Smith, and Landon Robertson showed they belong firmly on draft boards.