2019 East-West Shrine Bowl: 5 players to watch on East team

The Jacksonville Jaguars won’t be participating in the AFC Championship this week, however, that doesn’t mean they’ve been on vacation. Per NFL.com, the Jags were one of the teams with the heaviest presence at the practices for this week’s East-West …

The Jacksonville Jaguars won’t be participating in the AFC Championship this week, however, that doesn’t mean they’ve been on vacation. Per NFL.com, the Jags were one of the teams with the heaviest presence at the practices for this week’s East-West Shrine Bowl, which is a good sign for them after another double-digit loss season.

In years past the East-West Shrine Bowl has produced a lot of impact players  and it’s likely some will come out of the 2020 game. Here are a few names to watch on the east team during Saturday’s game which will take place in St. Petersburg Saturday afternoon on NFL Network:

Diondre Overton, WR, Clemson

As we discussed in our breakdown of the Jags’ needs, receiver isn’t a big need of the Jags but it’s a position that could use some help. Dede Westbrook didn’t meet the expectations of fans in 2019 and had multiple drops, and in all probability, the Jags will part ways with Marqise Lee to free up some cap space. That said, they should look to add a receiver (or two) at some this offseason.

Diondre Overton isn’t the type of receiver the Jags typically gravitate towards, but he’d be a welcomed addition. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Overton is a player that most believe will be a possessions guy on the next level and he’s utilized his size well in Tampa this week according to those in attendance. He also could help Gardner Minshew II get his targets up in the middle of the field, something he struggled with.

Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn

The Jags like Southeastern Conference players and Jack Driscoll is one who has impressed in the East-West practice sessions, according to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers official site. Staff writer Carmen Vitali praised Driscoll for his aggression during 1-on-1s, and as a former offensive line coach, it’s hard to see Doug Marrone not gravitating towards him.

At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, Driscoll doesn’t have the size scouts look for in an offensive tackle in the league, however, that shouldn’t be an issue for the Jags as they could use help at guard more than anything.

Jon Runyan Jr., OT, Michigan

Yes, he’s the son of former All-Pro Jon Runyan Sr. for those wondering. According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Jon Runyan Jr. was a player who improved each day in Tampa, which is a good sign of his ability to adapt and take in coaching.

While at Michigan he was a two-time All-Big 10 honoree and was a solid offensive tackle for the Wolverines. He also saw time at guard while there and some tend to think he would be a better player in the interior, which again, where the Jags need the most help at on offense.

Mctelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas

We’ve stressed how important it is for the Jags to get younger in the interior (and cheaper, too) and Mctelvin Agim has been arguably the most mentioned defensive lineman during the East-West Bowl practice sessions. His first step and speed off the snap has proven to be an issue for the offensive lineman he’s faced this week and none have been able to match his ability.

Sure, the Jags need more of a space-eater and run-stuffer in the interior but Agim would be a solid option for a late-round pass rusher in the interior if available. Simply put, a team can never have enough pass rushers in today’s league.

Shaq Quarterman, LB, Miami

Earlier in the month, we listed linebacker as the Jags’ top need so it wouldn’t be shocking if they took a look at one of the players at the East-West Bowl’s practice sessions. Shaq Quarterman was one of the players mentioned by many in attendance because of his physicality at the MIKE linebacker position, which is a spot Myles Jack struggled at this season.

Quarterman is a player who most scouts believe is only a two-down player with great run-stuffing ability, however, that would work out fine for the Jags. They could simply use him as they did with Paul Posluszny by taking him off the field on third downs and moving Jack from the outside to the interior.