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The Shrine Game is a great exhibition for some of the more unknown prospects to the public, as well as some of the better known prospects from lesser schools, see quarterback Jordan Lynch.
The Cardinals aren't shy about Shrine Game prospects either, as they took DC Jefferson and Earl Watford, Shrine Game alumni from 2013, and there are plenty of names to watch in Saturday's All Star game, so check out the podcast with DetroitLionsDraft.com's Jeff Risdon as Justis and I talk with the man who was at every practice for the week.
For the Cardinals this weekend I'll be paying close attention too:
Jeff Mathews, QB Cornell
Has been a guy on my radar for a while after being turned on to him last year when I got word the Cardinals were at multiple Cornell games.
While the coaching and front office has changed, not a lot has changed in terms of the scouting department.
He struggled this year quite a bit, but he has a big frame, a big arm, and comes from a school with really poor play around him.
He needs some time to sit and simmer, but his skills do look like they'll translate to the next level, and as Jeff said on the podcast, he was drawing interest from teams like the Chargers, Steelers and Lions already, so if the Cardinals are still "in" on him, they'll definitely have competition, and a good Shrine Game could mean even a late day two pick.
Keith Wenning, QB Ball State
Wenning got some high praise this weekend as a guy with an excellent arm, but a flawed delivery, and drew some poor man Philip Rivers comparisons.
Wenning is a bit short for an "Arians" quarterback, but he has the velocity and ability to throw the ball around the yard.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB Eastern Illinois
The most talked about quarterback from the Shrine Game week was Garoppolo, and he's a guy that got the call up to the Senior Bowl.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT McGill (Canada)
T Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (McGill) #CIS is having an outstanding practice today. Doing great in OL/DL
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) January 15, 2014
The big tackle from Canada is on the radar in the NFL, and his work this week may get him a look late in the draft.
Crockett Gilmore, TE Colorado State
Big, lanky, skilled big man with room to add size to his 6-6 frame.
Pierre Desir, CB Lindenwood
Speaking of lanky, the 6-1 corner from the small school has made a big splash on a lot of scouts radars.
There's already top 100 talk, and with a good showing throughout could vault him up even more.
Derrell Johnson, OLB East Carolina
The outside linebacker drew interest from numerous 3-4 defensive teams, including the Cardinals.
Shaquil Barret, OLB Colorado State
Another outside linebacker prospect for the Cardinals to look at, he struggled when he was asked to do more than rush the passer, but when he was moved to the strong side, he completely dominated the competition.
If he's as natural as a pass rusher as he looks, he could be a day three guy that could end up being a steal.
There's plenty more to watch, including speedy Bernard Reedy from Toledo at wide receiver, but this game has some very interesting prospects at need positions for the Cardinals that I will be keeping a close eye on.