Scouting the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl: What Browns Fans Should Watch For Tonight
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off tonight in Frisco, Texas, and while it may not have the same spotlight as the Senior Bowl or the NFL Combine, make no mistake-this is a key event for NFL front offices. For teams like the Cleveland Browns, who currently hold 10 picks in the upcoming draft (including six on Day 3), this game is a goldmine of opportunity.
This is where rosters get rounded out. It's where special teams contributors, developmental prospects, and future depth pieces start to separate themselves from the pack. And with the Browns needing reinforcements-particularly on offense-tonight’s game offers a valuable look at players who might be wearing orange and brown come the fall.
How to Watch the Shrine Bowl
- What: 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl
- When: January 27, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas
- TV: ESP
Coaching Connections: Browns Staff on the Sidelines
There’s a little extra incentive for Browns fans to tune in: Cleveland has boots on the ground in this one. Mike Bearden, serving as the Bill Willis Coaching Fellow, will be coaching the tight ends for the East Team. Jeff Anderson, a defensive quality control coach for the Browns, will handle the defensive backs.
These coaching roles aren’t just symbolic. They give the Browns a front-row seat to players’ habits, work ethic, and coachability-qualities that often don’t show up on tape. It’s a rare chance to get hands-on evaluations in a setting that mimics NFL structures more closely than a typical college game.
Who’s Coaching the Squads?
The East Team is led by Marquice Williams, who’s spent the last five years as the special teams coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. On the West sideline, Lunda Wells-tight ends coach for the Dallas Cowboys-takes the reins. Both bring NFL experience and structure to the game, which helps simulate the kind of systems these prospects will be expected to adapt to at the next level.
What Browns Fans Should Be Watching
With six picks between Rounds 4 and 7, the Browns are in prime position to capitalize on the kind of talent that shows out in games like this. These aren’t the headline names from Alabama or Ohio State, but they’re the players who can become difference-makers with the right coaching and development.
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Offensive Line Depth: The Browns have battled injuries and inconsistency up front. This game often features gritty, technically sound linemen who may lack elite athletic traits but have the smarts and toughness to carve out a role in the NFL.
- Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: With Bearden coaching tight ends for the East, you can bet the Browns will be paying close attention to that group. Look for pass-catchers who can block, run clean routes, and show chemistry with quarterbacks in a short prep window-traits that translate well to the pro level.
- Defensive Backs: Jeff Anderson’s presence with the East’s DBs means the Browns are getting an inside look at a position where depth is always needed. Special teams value is key here-players who can cover kicks and punts while developing into rotational corners or safeties.
- Quarterbacks: While no one expects a franchise QB to emerge from this game, the Browns could be in the market for a developmental backup. Someone with a solid arm, good decision-making, and leadership qualities could be worth a late-round flyer.
Why This Game Matters
The Shrine Bowl has been around since 1925, making it the longest-running college all-star game in the country. It’s not just about the game itself-it’s about the week of practices, interviews, and meetings leading up to it. NFL teams aren’t just watching the tape-they’re watching how players take coaching, how they interact with teammates, and how they carry themselves in a professional environment.
For the Browns, who are looking to build sustainable depth and find contributors beyond the top of the draft, this is a crucial step in the process. Tonight’s game won’t make headlines, but it could quietly shape the bottom half of Cleveland’s 2026 draft class-and potentially, its future.