The East-West Shrine Bowl practices start on Saturday with the game scheduled to take place on Thursday, Feb. 1 in Frisco, Texas.
Zach Tom, Jon Runayn Jr, Samori Toure, Ka’Dar Hollman, James Looney and Hunter Bradley are all draft picks that played in the Shrine Bowl that Brian Gutekunst has selected.
With AJ Dillon set to hit the open market let’s take a look at four running backs that the Green Bay Packers could be keeping close tabs on throughout the week.
Jonathon Brooks, Texas
No, Brooks won’t be playing as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL that he suffered in November. However, he’s listed on the roster so we are listing him here.
Brooks may miss the majority of his rookie season as he continues his rehab. Even with that cloud hanging over his head he has the talent to be the first running back off the board in April.
In my first mock draft of the 2024 NFL Draft cycle, I have the Packers selecting Jonathon Brooks with the 50th overall pick.
Check out who else I have the Packers selecting in the first two rounds.
https://t.co/2fwPImFcV0 pic.twitter.com/fNx7Myvg0y— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) October 30, 2023
The Texas running back was a tackle-breaking machine and has outstanding contact balance. In 11 games this season, Brooks forced 63 missed tackles and picked up 732 yards after contact.
Blake Watson, Memphis
Watson was a star at the Hula Bowl and now will get a chance to shine at the Shrine Bowl. The Old Dominion transfer rushed for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. He proved to be a weapon in the passing game, hauling in 53 receptions for 480 yards and three touchdowns.
Blake Watson wins Hula Bowl Offensive MVP for team Aina! pic.twitter.com/666yEiKzMM
— Hula Bowl (@Hula_Bowl) January 18, 2024
The Memphis running back keeps his legs running through contact and has good vision. Watson racked up 719 yards after contact and forced 50 missed tackles.
Frank Gore Jr, Southern Miss
The son of a famous running back, Gore Jr. is no slouch. The Southern Miss running back rushed for 2,513 yards and 19 touchdowns to go along with 46 receptions for 505 receiving yards and three touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Gore Jr has good vision and is a hard-nosed runner. Gore forced 67 missed tackles and picked up 824 yards after contact this season.
Carson Steele, UCLA
The Ball State transfer was No. 21 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list. During his lone season as a Bruin, Steele rushed for 847 yards and six touchdowns. Steele added two receiving touchdowns.
Steele has good vision and quick feet to make sharp cuts. The UCLA running back has a good combination of power and quickness.