As the NFL Draft process heats up, all eyes turn to the East-West Shrine Bowl-one of the premier showcases for college football talent trying to make the leap to the pros. And this year, LSU is well-represented. Six former Tigers will suit up Tuesday night under the bright lights, looking to leave a lasting impression on NFL scouts and front offices.
Let’s break down the LSU names to watch in this all-star spotlight, and what each brings to the table.
Chris Hilton Jr., WR
Career stats: 41 receptions, 780 yards, 6 touchdowns
Hilton is exactly the kind of player who can benefit from a showcase like the Shrine Bowl. He’s got the wheels-no question about it.
Straight-line speed has never been his issue. The challenge has been staying healthy long enough to put it all together.
When he’s on the field, Hilton flashes the kind of vertical threat NFL teams covet. He can stretch defenses and open up the field, but durability concerns have kept him from producing consistently at LSU. If he can put together a clean, explosive performance in front of scouts, he could turn some heads-whether it’s enough to sneak into the draft or earn a camp invite as a free agent.
Zavion Thomas, WR
Career stats: 106 receptions, 1,213 yards, 7 touchdowns; 40 carries, 198 yards, 1 rushing touchdown; 3 return touchdowns
Thomas was one of the few consistent sparks in an LSU offense that often struggled to find rhythm. He’s a do-it-all weapon-slot receiver, gadget guy, return specialist. If there’s a way to get the ball in his hands, he’ll find a way to make something happen.
His versatility is what makes him intriguing to NFL teams. He’s not just a receiver-he’s a playmaker.
Whether it’s jet sweeps, bubble screens, or punt returns, Thomas has the vision and burst to flip field position or put six on the board. At the next level, he projects as a dynamic depth piece who can contribute immediately on special teams and grow into a bigger offensive role.
Bauer Sharp, TE
Career stats: 106 receptions, 942 yards, 8 touchdowns
Sharp is a bit of a wildcard. The tools are there-size, athleticism, and soft hands.
He emerged as a secondary option in LSU’s tight end room, sharing snaps with standout Trey’Dez Green. But inconsistency plagued him, and it’s those mental errors that fans and scouts alike will be watching closely.
The Shrine Bowl offers Sharp a chance to reset the narrative. If he can clean up the miscues and show he can be a reliable target in the passing game while holding his own as a blocker, he’s got the frame and skill set to make a roster. Tight ends who can do a little bit of everything are always in demand.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB
Career stats: 220 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 5 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles
Perkins has been a household name in Baton Rouge since his freshman year. He’s a game-wrecker-plain and simple. Whether it’s flying off the edge, dropping into coverage, or chasing down ball carriers from sideline to sideline, Perkins has the kind of athleticism that jumps off the screen.
But the NFL is all about fit, and that’s where the questions come in. At 6-foot-1 and under 220 pounds, he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional edge rusher.
And while he’s flashed in coverage, he’s not quite polished enough to be a full-time off-ball linebacker just yet. For Perkins, it’s going to come down to landing with a creative coordinator who knows how to unleash his unique skill set.
He may not be the first-round lock many projected early in his college career, but he’s still one of the most intriguing talents in this draft class.
West Weeks, LB
Career stats: 164 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Weeks is a classic late-bloomer. He saved his best for last, putting together a strong final season that saw him rack up 74 tackles, including 8 for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He’s not the flashiest linebacker in this group, but he’s steady, smart, and brings ideal size at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds.
He reads plays well, takes good angles, and rarely finds himself out of position. While he might not project as a three-down starter right away, he’s the kind of player who can carve out a role on special teams and work his way into a defensive rotation. Every team needs guys like West Weeks-dependable, tough, and coachable.
Patrick Payton, DE
Payton transferred to LSU with the goal of becoming the Tigers’ next great pass rusher. While the sack numbers didn’t pop, his impact came in other ways-especially against the run. He finished the season with 34 total tackles and 18 run stops, anchoring the edge and setting the tone physically.
For Payton, the Shrine Bowl is a chance to show he can add more juice as a pass rusher. He’s already proven he can hold the line and be a dependable run defender. If he can flash some pass-rush upside in one-on-one drills or during the game, he could boost his draft stock significantly.
What’s at Stake
For all six of these former LSU standouts, Tuesday night is more than just an exhibition-it’s an audition. The Shrine Bowl has long been a proving ground for players on the fringe of the draft conversation, and with NFL scouts watching every rep, every snap matters.
Whether it’s Hilton’s speed, Thomas’ versatility, Perkins’ explosiveness, or Weeks’ reliability, each of these Tigers has something to offer. Now it’s about putting it all together-one last time on the college stage.