Why Shrine Bowl standouts 2026 NFL Draft Rams matter?
Shrine Bowl standouts 2026 NFL Draft Rams are next on every scout’s radar. Each January, the East West Shrine Bowl surfaces prospects who can climb draft boards quickly. Because the game showcases head-to-head drills, teams see traits that tape does not always reveal.
The Los Angeles Rams have used Shrine Bowl tape to find depth and developmental gems. For example, Konata Mumpfield and Kobie Turner traced pre-draft buzz to Shrine Bowl showings. Therefore, Rams fans and draft watchers pay close attention to Frisco practices and game day.
This piece highlights seven Shrine Bowl standouts who could impact the 2026 NFL Draft for the Rams. We break down traits, scheme fits, and special teams value. As a result, you will see which players could jump into the Rams’ draft plan.
However, film still matters because drills can overstate burst. Also, special teams traits often decide late-round picks and undrafted signees. Read on for concise scouting notes, size, and scheme fits for each prospect.
Shrine Bowl standouts 2026 NFL Draft Rams
The Shrine Bowl in Frisco surfaced multiple players who could fit the Rams’ board. Because teams prize head-to-head drills, performances here can change a prospect’s stock. As a result, Los Angeles evaluators will study tape from practices and the game closely.
Below are the seven standouts who stood out in Frisco. Each entry lists size, traits, and a quick scheme fit for the Rams. Also, we include direct notes and quotes from Shrine Bowl coverage.
Darrell Jackson — interior power and disruption
- Size and profile: violent interior defender who dominated 1-on-1s.
- Why he matters: Jackson consistently beat blocks and pushed into the backfield. Therefore, he projects as a run-stopper on early downs.
- Tape takeaway: “The power with @FSUFootball DL Darnell Jackson Jr. is real. He’s had a very good week here in Frisco. Loved the way he handled this combo block. Just destroyed the blocker in front of him, blew up rep. Powerful punch.” This quote illustrates his physicality.
- Rams fit: Could add depth to the defensive line rotation, especially on short yardage downs.
Brian Parker — interior versatility and consistency
- Size and profile: college tackle who showed center potential.
- Why he matters: Parker impressed in 1-on-1 drills. “Really damn good rep from Duke’s Brian Parker II in the 1-on-1 drills. Has been very consistent all week in a good way.”
- Tape takeaway: He can move inside to center and handle interior work after playing right tackle.
- Rams fit: Adds insurance if the Rams want interior depth or a starter who can slide between positions.
Avery Smith — sticky coverage and playmaking
- Size and profile: nimble defensive back with strong instincts in coverage.
- Why he matters: Smith improved his stock in Frisco and showed consistent disruption.
- Tape takeaway: “Toledo’s Avery Smith has been among the best defenders at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Glued to the hip pocket and gets that hand around to disrupt catch point (without drawing flag).” He also forced incompletions in college (12), which is notable.
- Rams fit: Could compete for a nickel or secondary rotational role, with clear special teams upside.
Landon Robertson — explosive trench presence
- Size and profile: 5’11”, 291 pounds, compact and explosive.
- Why he matters: He popped on Day 3 with disruptive reps and an unusual burst for his size. “5’11\”, 291: Sawed-off maniac. Feldman Freak w/ a 20+ MPH top speed and a 33\” vert.”
- Rams fit: Short-yardage defensive tackle role or rotational interior piece.
Kaden Wetjen — space player and returner value
- Size and profile: 5’9″ playmaker who thrives in space.
- Why he matters: He led the nation in punt return yards and scored three return touchdowns last season.
- Tape takeaway: “Iowa WR Kaden Wetjen has been cooking early on at @ShrineBowl. If DBs didn’t get hands on him early it was over.” He offers clear returner upside.
- Rams fit: Special teams weapon and gadget receiver for screens and jet motions.
Cole Wisniewski — hybrid safety/linebacker with run chops
- Size and profile: 6’3″, 214 pounds; former linebacker turned safety.
- Why he matters: He tackles well in run support and shows instincts near the line.
- Tape takeaway: “Tex Tech’s Cole Wisniewski is an intriguing option. Former LB turned safety. Tackles well in run support.”
- Rams fit: Could become a late-round developmental box safety or special teams core player.
Dallen Bentley — Y-TE traits and movement blocking
- Size and profile: versatile tight end who can separate and block.
- Why he matters: Bentley offers nuance as a movement blocker and receiving option.
- Tape takeaway: “Utah TE Dallen Bentley displayed his ability to set up defenders with nuance & separate with physicality at The Shrine Bowl. Bentley’s leg drive & range as a movement blocker will separate him in a deep class as the best Y-TE in the NFLDraft.” He pairs well with bigger in-line TEs like Terrance Ferguson.
- Rams fit: Day three pick or priority UDFA who can carve a role as a Y-TE and on special teams.
Notes on scheme fit and context
- Offensive line play rough in Frisco. That note matters because it helps evaluators gauge pass rushers’ reps versus poor protection. Consequently, reps from the Shrine Bowl should be weighed against college tape.
- Scout resources: For more on the Shrine Bowl and its role in draft prep, see the event site Shrine Bowl. Also, the NFL draft hub provides context on how pre-draft weeks alter boards NFL Draft Hub.
- Rams coverage: For additional Rams-focused scouting and context, see the related piece Rams News on Shrine Bowl Standouts.
Bottom line: Frisco uncovered traits worth tracking. However, the Shrine Bowl is a small sample. Therefore, teams must blend these reps with full-game tape and medical checks before projecting draft decisions.
| Player | Height | Weight | Position | Standout qualities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrell Jackson | Not listed | Not listed | Defensive lineman | Dominant in 1-on-1s; violent at the point of attack; run-stopper |
| Brian Parker | Not listed | Not listed | Offensive line (tackle/center) | Interior versatility; consistent in 1-on-1 drills; center potential |
| Avery Smith | Reported ~5’7″ | Not listed | Defensive back | Sticky coverage; disrupts catch point; 12 forced incompletions in college |
| Landon Robertson | 5’11” | 291 lbs | Defensive tackle | Explosive burst; disruptive on Day 3; short-yardage presence |
| Kaden Wetjen | 5’9″ | Not listed | Wide receiver / returner | Space player; nation-leading punt return yards; three return TDs |
| Cole Wisniewski | 6’3″ | 214 lbs | Safety / hybrid linebacker | Former LB turned safety; strong tackler in run support |
| Dallen Bentley | Not listed | Not listed | Tight end (Y-TE) | Movement blocker; separates in space; upside as a Y-TE |
Shrine Bowl standouts and special teams value
Special teams traits can swing late-round grades and determine roster spots. Kaden Wetjen and Avery Smith emerged in Frisco as clear special teams assets. Because the Rams value versatility, these skills raise each player’s draft value.
Kaden Wetjen stands out as a dynamic returner
- College production: Wetjen returned three punt return touchdowns last season and led the nation in punt return yards.
- Traits on tape: He creates separation quickly and consistently gains yards after contact. As a result, defenders need to make early contact to slow him.
- Rams upside: Wetjen projects as a core returner on game day. Moreover, he offers gadget-play potential on offense with jet sweeps and quick screens.
Avery Smith brings coverage instincts and turnover upside
- College production: Smith forced 12 incompletions in MAC play, showing his ability to disrupt passes.
- Traits on tape: He stays glued to receivers and times his hands to break up catches without drawing flags. Therefore, he grades highly for situational coverage.
- Rams upside: Smith could compete for nickel snaps and core special teams roles. In addition, his coverage savvy raises his value as a fourth or fifth-round target.
Why special teams matter for the Rams
- Roster impact: Special teams can decide the 53rd roster spot. Consequently, a strong returner or sticky coverage player can secure a place.
- Draft value: Teams often prefer players who contribute right away on special teams. Therefore, Wetjen and Smith could move ahead of similarly graded prospects because of this ability.
Short summary
Wetjen’s punt return touchdowns and Smith’s forced incompletions illustrate tangible impact. For the Rams, these Shrine Bowl standouts increase their late-round and undrafted signing appeal.
Conclusion
The Shrine Bowl standouts highlighted here could quietly reshape the Rams’ 2026 NFL Draft approach. Because the event exposes head-to-head traits, players like Darrell Jackson and Landon Robertson show immediate scheme fits. Meanwhile, versatile prospects such as Brian Parker and Cole Wisniewski offer depth and positional flexibility.
Wetjen and Avery Smith add clear special teams value. As a result, their punt return touchdowns and forced incompletions boost draft stock. Dallen Bentley provides Y-TE traits that the Rams can plug into move-heavy formations. Therefore, each player brings a specific path to contributing early.
In short, Frisco gave the Rams several late-round and developmental targets. However, teams must still pair Shrine Bowl reps with full-game film and medical checks. That process will refine who climbs the board and who becomes a priority undrafted signing.
Stay connected to Rams News LLC for timely draft coverage and roster analysis. Visit Rams News LLC for the latest pieces, and follow the conversation on Twitter X. For fans and evaluators alike, these Shrine Bowl standouts deserve ongoing attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are the Shrine Bowl standouts the Rams should watch for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The list includes Darrell Jackson, Brian Parker, Avery Smith, Landon Robertson, Kaden Wetjen, Cole Wisniewski, and Dallen Bentley. These Shrine Bowl standouts 2026 NFL Draft Rams prospects showed traits that matter. For example, Jackson dominated 1 on 1s and Robertson flashed interior burst. Wetjen stood out as a returner and Bentley displayed Y TE movement blocking.
How much weight should scouts give Shrine Bowl performances when grading prospects?
Scouts treat Shrine Bowl reps as a useful but small sample. Because the event showcases head-to-head drills, it can reveal competitive traits not obvious on college tape. However, teams still combine Shrine Bowl work with full game film, medical checks, and interviews. As a result, a strong Shrine Bowl week can move a player several spots, but it rarely defines a final grade alone.
Which players offer clear special teams value for the Rams?
Kaden Wetjen and Avery Smith are the clearest special teams assets. Wetjen returned three punt return touchdowns last season and led the nation in punt return yards. Smith forced 12 incompletions in MAC play and consistently disrupted catch points at the Shrine Bowl. Therefore, both boost their late round or undrafted appeal because they can contribute on game day right away.
Could any of these prospects contribute immediately for the Rams?
Yes. Several project to help early. Darrell Jackson fits a rotational defensive line role on early downs. Brian Parker could add interior offensive line depth as a center option. Cole Wisniewski projects as a box safety with special teams snaps. Dallen Bentley can provide Y TE snaps and movement blocking in sub-packages. In short, these players have clear pathways to earn snaps quickly.
Where can fans follow ongoing Rams draft coverage and analysis?
Stay tuned to RamsNews for continuous draft insights. The site publishes scouting notes and board updates. Fans can also follow Rams News commentary on social media for quick takes and links to deep dives.