The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into an offseason that arrived earlier than expected-and with it comes what might be the most pivotal NFL Draft of Brett Veach’s tenure as general manager. With the team’s scouting department already hard at work, the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off Tuesday night at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, and it marks the first big checkpoint in this year’s pre-draft evaluation process.
The Shrine Bowl has long been a valuable tool for Kansas City’s front office. Just last year, third-round pick cornerback Nohl Williams came out of this very event.
And if you watched the Chiefs down the stretch, you saw left tackle Esa Pole-another Shrine Bowl alum-start the final five games of the season. This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a proving ground for players who could be wearing red and gold by the fall.
Let’s break down some of the key prospects to watch, especially through the lens of the Chiefs’ likely positional needs this offseason.
Offensive Skill Players: Depth, Speed, and Versatility
The Chiefs’ offense is always evolving, and this year’s Shrine Bowl features a few names who could help reshape it. One of the top potential fits, Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne, unfortunately suffered an injury during Friday’s practice and won’t play in the game. Still, Claiborne reportedly met with Kansas City’s staff during the week, and the play on which he got hurt showed exactly why he’s on their radar-he’s a natural fit for Andy Reid’s system with his burst and vision.
Tight end is another area to watch. The group as a whole stood out in practices, with Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon and Texas’ Jack Endries leading the way.
Both players consistently used their size to win contested catches, and their performances this week suggest they could be intriguing developmental options behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. Beyond the headliners, a few under-the-radar tight ends also flashed-names that could be in play on Day 3 or as priority free agents.
Wide receiver talent at the Shrine Bowl isn’t overwhelming this year, but there are still a few names worth circling. Jalen Walthall, a deep sleeper from Incarnate Word, just earned a combine invite-always a good sign this time of year. And while LSU’s Zavion Thomas didn’t light up the stat sheet during his college career (which included a stint at Mississippi State), he was among the fastest players on the field all week and made several big-time catches in practice.
Quarterback is another position to watch, not for immediate competition with Patrick Mahomes, but because the Chiefs may need extra arms in camp as Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL. Don’t be surprised if a Shrine Bowl or Senior Bowl quarterback ends up in Kansas City’s quarterback room this summer.
Offensive Line: Depth Pieces Could Be in Play
The Chiefs’ starting offensive line is largely set, and they’ve built up solid depth over the past couple of seasons. That said, there’s still room for competition, especially at backup guard.
One name to watch is Georgia’s Micah Morris, who had a strong week in Frisco. He could be a smart Day 3 target-especially given that 2024 pick Hunter Nourzad hasn’t yet climbed past Mike Caliendo on the depth chart.
Morris brings size, strength, and polish, and his tape this week showed he’s ready to compete.
Front Seven: Linebacker Talent Steals the Show
If you’re looking for the strength of this year’s Shrine Bowl class, look no further than the linebacker group. Even with LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. and Texas A&M’s Taurean York leaving the event early, the position still delivered high-level performances.
One name that stood out: Jackson Kuwatch from Miami (Ohio). He made a splash with an interception during practice, showing off his instincts and range-traits that translate well to the Chiefs’ defensive scheme.
USC’s Eric Gentry is another fascinating prospect. At 6-foot-6, he’s one of the tallest off-ball linebackers you’ll ever see.
That height can be a double-edged sword-he’s had some struggles against the run-but in Frisco, he made his presence known by batting down multiple passes and disrupting throwing lanes. He’s raw, but there’s real upside there.
The defensive tackle group may have been the most physically dominant unit of the week. Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr., tipping the scales at 328 pounds, was a force in the middle.
He’s a strong candidate to be the highest-drafted player from this game. Navy’s Landon Robinson also turned heads in one-on-one drills and reportedly had a formal meeting with the Chiefs.
He’s a name to monitor as a potential mid-round riser.
Edge rusher is always a traits-based position come draft time, and Oklahoma’s Marvin Jones Jr. fits the bill. The production hasn’t matched the pedigree-just eight sacks over four seasons-but the athleticism is still there.
He showed flashes this week that reminded scouts why he was once a five-star recruit. For a team like Kansas City, always looking for rotational pass rushers with upside, Jones is a classic late-round swing.
Secondary: Chiefs Have a History Here
If history is any guide, there’s a good chance we’ll see a future Chiefs defensive back playing under the lights on Tuesday night. One player who made a strong impression is Vanderbilt’s Kolbey Taylor.
With an 80-inch wingspan and a physical approach to coverage, Taylor fits the mold of what Steve Spagnuolo likes in his corners. He was sticky in man coverage and wasn’t afraid to come downhill and make plays in the run game-two traits that will stand out in Kansas City’s evaluation room.
As the Chiefs chart their path forward, events like the Shrine Bowl provide a crucial window into the next wave of NFL talent. With needs across the roster-from offensive depth to defensive versatility-this week’s performances in Frisco could go a long way in shaping Kansas City’s 2026 draft class. Don’t be surprised if a few of these names are called in April-and don’t be surprised if one or two end up sticking around in Chiefs Kingdom.