All-Star Season Begins: What to Watch as NFL Hopefuls Take the Stage
The NFL Draft may be months away, but the road to April’s big weekend starts now. With a packed calendar of Pro Days, the NFL Scouting Combine, and private team visits still to come, it’s the college all-star games that kick things off - and they’re more than just exhibitions. For many draft hopefuls, these games are the first real opportunity to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts and decision-makers in a live, competitive setting.
This week, the spotlight turns to two of the most prominent showcases: the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Both events draw top senior talent from across the country and serve as critical evaluation points for NFL teams looking to fill out their draft boards. It’s not just about game day either - the practices leading up to these games are often more important to scouts than the games themselves, offering a chance to see how players respond to NFL-style coaching, adapt to new systems, and compete against elite talent.
Why These Games Matter
For players, these all-star games are a proving ground. Not everyone gets an invite to the Combine, and even for those who do, these games offer live reps against top-tier competition. It’s one thing to flash on tape during the college season; it’s another to show out in front of NFL personnel with the pressure turned all the way up.
For teams, it’s a chance to get an early look at how players handle the transition to the next level. The practices are structured like NFL training sessions, and the coaching staffs are often made up of current NFL assistants - giving both sides a chance to see how things translate in a pro-style environment.
Cincinnati Bengals: Eyes on the Future
The Cincinnati Bengals are diving into this all-star circuit with a new-look personnel department that’s wasting no time getting to work. Assistant GM Mike Potts, who oversees college scouting, put it simply: “More efficient and more eyes on more players.”
That’s the mission. The Bengals are prioritizing in-person evaluations, both at these all-star events and through extensive tape study, to ensure they’re leaving no stone unturned.
This year, Cincinnati’s scouting approach is all about volume and versatility - getting multiple looks at prospects across different stages of the pre-draft process. The goal? Build a deeper, more informed draft board that aligns with both immediate roster needs and long-term developmental goals.
A Linebacker Who Fits the Mold
One name that’s starting to generate buzz in connection with teams like the Bengals is linebacker Justin Strnad, who turned heads with a quietly impactful season. He logged eight starts, racking up 58 combined tackles, including five for loss, while also adding 4.5 sacks and an interception. He was on the field for 575 defensive snaps across 16 games - a solid workload that speaks to his reliability and role versatility.
But what really stands out is his tackling efficiency. Strnad missed only four tackles all season, finishing with a missed tackle rate of just 6.5%. That kind of consistency is exactly what teams crave, especially in a linebacker who may not be a household name but brings leadership, discipline, and a nose for the ball.
For a team like Cincinnati, which has been looking to add more leadership and sure tackling to its defensive core, Strnad represents the kind of under-the-radar veteran presence who could stabilize the second level of the defense.
Could the Bengals Buck Their Draft-Day Trends?
Historically, the Bengals haven’t been big movers in the first round of the NFL Draft. In fact, the last time they made a first-round trade was back in 2018, when they swapped picks with the Buffalo Bills in a deal that brought offensive tackle Cordy Glenn to Cincinnati. Since then, they’ve largely stayed put, preferring to let the board come to them.
But with the team entering a new era of front office strategy and scouting depth, it’s fair to wonder if that trend could shift. The Bengals have shown a willingness to be more aggressive in recent offseasons, both in free agency and in the draft. If the right player is within reach - especially one who checks both the talent and leadership boxes - don’t be surprised if Cincinnati gets creative.
What’s Next
As the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl take center stage this week, keep an eye on who rises during practices. These are the moments where draft stocks can skyrocket - or slide - based on how players handle the NFL spotlight for the first time.
And for the Bengals, this is just the beginning. With a revamped scouting operation and a clear focus on finding impact players on both sides of the ball, the team is setting itself up to make meaningful moves in April.
Whether that means sticking to their usual draft-day script or shaking things up remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: they’re doing the homework now to be ready when the clock starts ticking.