The East-West Shrine Bowl is more than just an all-star showcase-it’s a proving ground for NFL hopefuls and a rare scouting opportunity for teams looking to get a leg up in the draft process. And this year, the New Orleans Saints are right in the thick of it.
Three Saints coaches-Terry Joseph, Josh Hill, and Tobiah Hughley-have been tapped to join the West team’s coaching staff. That’s not just a nice résumé booster; it’s a strategic advantage. With boots on the ground and whistles in hand, they’ll be working directly with some of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class.
Inside Access to the Next Wave of Talent
Let’s start with Terry Joseph, who’ll serve as the defensive coordinator for the West squad. He’s in a prime spot to evaluate a deep group of edge rushers and linebackers-positions the Saints could very well be targeting come draft day.
According to Eric Galko, director of football operations and personnel for the Shrine Bowl, this year’s crop of front-seven defenders is loaded. In fact, Galko says every single defensive lineman and linebacker in the game is projected to be a “first-wave” NFL Combine invitee.
Translation: these aren’t just camp bodies-these are legitimate draft picks.
Joseph will get a hands-on look at guys like Ethan Burke, Marvin Jones Jr., and Nyjalik Kelly, three edge defenders with NFL traits and upside. Add in names like Malachi Lawrence and Jake Golday, and you’ve got a group that could shape the Saints’ draft board in real time. For a team that’s been looking to retool its pass rush, this is a front-row seat to evaluate who might be ready to contribute early at the next level.
O-Line Help Could Be on the Way
Then there’s Tobiah Hughley, who’s coaching the West’s offensive line. That’s a big assignment-both literally and figuratively-especially considering how much help the Saints need in the trenches. The offensive line was a sore spot last season, and Hughley now gets to work directly with a few prospects who could help fix that.
Watch for names like Ar’Maj Reed-Adams (Texas A&M), Garrett DiGiorgio (UCLA), and Anez Cooper (Miami). These are interior linemen with size, power, and the kind of raw tools that can be molded into starting-caliber NFL players. Hughley’s week in Vegas won’t just be about installing protections-it’ll be about seeing who’s coachable, who’s physical, and who can anchor an NFL pocket.
A Familiar Face at Tight End
Josh Hill, the former Saints tight end turned coach, will also be on the West staff, working with the tight ends. That’s a full-circle moment for Hill, but more importantly, it’s a chance for New Orleans to evaluate the next generation at a position that could use some new juice.
Hill will be coaching players like Seydou Traore (Mississippi State) and Jaren Kanak (Oklahoma). Traore, in particular, brings intriguing athleticism and versatility to the table. If anyone knows what kind of tight end fits in the Saints’ system, it’s Hill-and now he gets a week to test-drive some potential fits.
Why This Matters for the Saints
Having three coaches embedded in the Shrine Bowl is no small thing. This isn’t just about watching tape or conducting 15-minute interviews at the Combine.
This is about seeing how players practice, how they respond to coaching, how they compete. It’s about seeing who stands out when the pads come on and the lights get a little brighter.
For a team like the Saints, who are looking to reload and stay competitive in a shifting NFC South, this kind of access is invaluable. The draft is always a bit of a gamble, but the more information you have, the better your odds. And right now, the Saints are gathering intel in the best way possible-by coaching the prospects themselves.
So while the East-West Shrine Bowl is a big deal for the players chasing their NFL dreams, it’s also a crucial week for teams like New Orleans. Because sometimes, the best draft picks aren’t found in the film room-they’re found on the practice field.