2016 East West Shrine Game Recap (Offense)

Wide Receiver:

Assuming the Bears bring Alshon Jeffery back, they should be set at WR with Jeffery, White, and Royal as the starters but the back-up positions are wide open. Scrappy Marc Mariani should be back after developing a rapport with Cutler, but none of the other backups stepped up when given a chance last season which could force the Bears to look for upgrades in the draft.

Geronimo Allison, Illini  – Might have been the best receiver at Shrine practices this week and led all receivers with six catches during the game. Allison also played with an impressive effort level all game, showing a willingness to block on screen passes and forcing a fumble after an interception.

For the day he had 6 catches for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns. Allison needs to get stronger and use his 6’3 frame better to shield defenders, but his length, speed, quickness off the line and reliable hands should get him drafted in the middle rounds.

Jared Dangerfield, Western Kentucky – Had a productive game with 5 catches for 84 yards. Dangerfield showed natural hands, got open consistently, and showed the ability to run after the catch on a 43-yard screen pass . He lacks top end speed (4.53), but has enough to get DB’s respect.

Dangerfield has the size (6’3 | 205), route running ability, and reliable hands to be a possession receiver at the next level and a possible red zone weapon. He showed a knack for finding the end zone in college with 19 TDs over the last two seasons.

Keenan Reynolds, Navy – Former QB who will be transitioning to either RB or slot WR in the NFL. Reynolds didn’t play in the game due to a back injury, but got rave reviews from the Shine game coaches during the week of practice. Reynolds holds multiple FBS records including most rushing TDs (88), rushing yards (4,559) and total points (530) and despite playing QB, was more like a RB in Navy’s option offense. His college production and solid character (Pat Tillman Award winner) should get Reynolds drafted sometime on day 3 as a versatile offensive weapon.

Danny Anthrop, Purdue – Had five catches for 120 yards on the day, most of which came on a 93-yard bomb where Anthrop showed a surprising burst of speed and outran two defenders after the catch. He caught all 5 balls thrown his way and looked like a quick, shifty slot receiver. According to Anthrop he played most of the 2015 season at less than 100% while recovering from a 2014 MCL tear. Anthrop is a natural slot receiver with the ability to return punts and kicks and the Bears could use help in all those areas.