The 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl may be headlined overall by their skill-position players, but if there was one defensive group that may steal the show, it’s the linebackers. NC State’s duo of Drake Thomas and Isaiah Moore headline the top linebackers at the Shrine Bowl, but this is a group with depth and three-down starting ability in the NFL.
Top 2023 Shrine Bowl Linebackers NFL Draft Prospects
1) Drake Thomas, NC State
There is a lot to like about Drake Thomas’ game from his time at NC State. An elite all-around producer, Thomas is equally as proficient in coverage as he is when defending the run.
What separates Thomas from the rest of the pack here is his pass-rushing ability. Few were able to get after the quarterback the way he did, partially because of his role in the NC State defense but also because of his natural ability.
Thomas is the linebacker to watch during the week of practice. He should fly all over the field and participate in multiple drills, potentially at a number of different positions.
2) Shaka Heyward, Duke
The true middle linebacker to watch, Shaka Heyward dominated during his last four seasons at Duke. A starter and long-time elite-level performer, Heyward should continue to help his cause with his sound tackling skills and proven ability to run the alley with perfection.
Heyward can improve his NFL draft stock if he shows improvement in coverage, but even now, that’s just trying to pick holes in his game as there are few.
3) Mohamoud Diabate, Utah
Making best use of his one season in Salt Lake City, Mohamoud Diabate put his three-down ability on display for Utah in 2022. Diabate was terrific when he could pin his ears back and get after the quarterback, making the most of his pass-rushing reps as he did when he was positioned to spy on quarterbacks.
But for Diabate, he was at his best when he infiltrated rushing lanes and brought down ball carriers for a loss or no gain. His abilities in coverage will be tested, where he can improve his draft stock with a good showing.
4) Isaiah Moore, NC State
Another NC State linebacker to headline this group, Isaiah Moore commands the middle of the field. Moore is a terrific asset to any defense and seemingly improved his game in each of his five years with the Wolfpack.
Moore is a sure tackler with some of the best fundamentals, and like his aforementioned teammate, is a great pass rusher when given the opportunity. There may be no better run filler in this group than Moore as well.
5) Jaiden Woodbey, Boston College
One of the more intriguing prospects to watch, Jaiden Woodbey will look a bit different than Boston College or even Florida State fans will remember at the Shrine Bowl. While the plan is to bulk up a bit, Woodbey will be playing with the linebackers despite five seasons as a safety in college.
Woodbey has the best pure coverage skills of this group, and if he can catch onto the position quickly, could vault up draft boards as a vital component to coverage units in the NFL.
Other Linebackers To Watch
- Jalen Graham, Purdue
- Anfernee Orji, Vanderbilt
- Ben VanSumeren, Michigan State
- Amari Burney, Florida
- Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech
- Jeremy Banks, Tennessee
- Kyle Soelle, Arizona State
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