East-West Shrine Game Info, TV Schedule, Preview & Open Thread

East-West Shrine Game practices have been going on this week, giving scouts and writers a good idea of the kind of talent present. The actual game happens today at 1:00PM PST on the NFL Network so make sure you tune in. Scouts have done the lions' share of their work already this week and though the game is a notch down from the Senior Bowl in terms of high-ranking players, there are some mid and later round guys in there that the Seahawks could definitely be looking at.

After the jump, I've included a whole mess of reading material that you should check out, then start watching the game, then start talking about what you're seeing, here. Some of the guys I'm going to be watching I've talked about here and at the Seattle site - QBs B.J. Coleman and Chandler Harnish (a Rob Staton sleeper), and running back Tauren Poole. Also, keep your eyes open for Coastal Carolina's Josh Norman, who has been getting some good reviews this week.

Regardless, there are only so many of these All-Star games prior to the Draft so soak it up. A good scouting opportunity, this.

2012 Shrine Game Preview: "Starting Lineups" and Scouting Match-Ups to Watch | Articles
After a long week of practices, partially for me as a scout/writer but for sure for the players who have had their 14-15 hour days, Gameday is finally upon us.

2012 Shrine Game: Thursday Daily Notes | Articles
In likely the last day of Daily Notes, I think I've saved the best for last with some very intriguing notes from this week. What did I NOT like about the practices? Who's hurt and likely out of the game? What did the CFL scouts in attendence have to say? Some intriguing 40 time potential numbers for non-Shrine Game prospects, and how great was Josh Norman REALLY?

An Interview with BJ Coleman, QB, Chattanooga " Tom Melton's NFL Draft Blog
Tom: First of all BJ thank you for your time, I really appreciate the chance to talk with you more in depth and I know it’s been a busy week for you.

Shrine Game Notes: West Roster- Day 4 " Tom Melton's NFL Draft Blog
Chandler Harnish (Northern Illinois) had an up and down day today. He showed that he could make stick throws on one hand, but also missed high some today and threw a pick 6 to Tank Carder in the two minute drill late in practice. He’s still the #2 quarterback in St. Petersburg in my eyes, but he didn’t have a great day today. I talked to him on the phone tonight and he told me that there is a fine line between being too aggressive and being willing to take a shot or throw into a tight window. He mentioned taking snaps from under center and learning to go through progressions as things he has been working on this week, and I think that he has made progress this week. He has made mistakes, but I think he has gotten better and learned from his mistakes. Dan Persa (Northwestern) may have had his best day of practice today, but he looked good today. He might have the best ball velocity of all three quarterbacks on the West, though it wouldn’t be by much. His height hurts him but he is a gamer and has quality intangibles. He will get a shot in camp, I’m just not sure he will be able to stick.

Draft 2012: E-W Shrine Wrapup - NFL Draft Preview - Rotoworld.com
The actual East-West Shrine game doesn't kick off until Saturday at 4pm, but the majority of this week's scouting work is complete. All-star practices are far more valuable than the game. Player-personnel attendees got an up-close look during practice drills and conducted in-depth interviews, usally focusing on players' backgrounds and injury history.

A sleeper at the East-West game | National Football Post
Canadian college player could eventually turn into a steal.

Players To Watch In The East-West Shrine Game | January
Earlier week it was the Casino Del Sol All-Star game and now on Saturday it will be not one, not two, but three games! This is a week I’ve been calling allstarpalooza because of all the news, reports, and tweets that have been flying. Just like with the Casino Del Sol game I will again focus on some players in the games who you should focus on. Here is our Shrine Game report on who are the prospects to watch:

Ranking the Shrine Game’s Top 10 prospects | National Football Post
After three days of practice in St. Petersburg Florida, the NFP ranks the East-West Shrine game’s top prospects for the upcoming NFL draft and breaks down which NFL teams are good fits for each.

NFL Draft: Brantley, Cunningham, others on display in Shrine Game - NFL - Sporting News
The East-West Shrine Game, which kicks off Saturday, marks the beginning of spring scouting travels. Every year a few players greatly improve their draft status in this showcase with a strong week.

East-West Shrine impressions: Coastal Carolina DB shows playmaking skills - NFL - Sporting News
The East-West Shrine Game kicks off Saturday at Tropicana Field. NFL scout are on hand to evaluate talent for April's Draft. Below are players who have made notable impressions at this week's practices:

Diamond in the Rough: Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina | Articles
South Carolina has produced superb athletes over the last few years, especially with the emergence of Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers have produced a few major players who are still playing right now in the NFL. Mike Tolbert the bruising running back of the San Diego Chargers, Tyler Thigpen the streaky QB of the Buffalo Bills, and Jerome Simpson who was all over the news for an amazing play where he did a complete flip over a player to help the Cincinnati Bengals get to the end zone are all alumni of Coastal Carolina.

East-West Shrine impressions: Iowa CB Prater flashes burst to stick with speed receivers - NFL - Sporting News
The East-West Shrine Game kicks off Saturday at Tropicana Field. A number of NFL scouts have been on hand at practices to evaluate talent for April’s Draft. On Wednesday, we looked at the East squad players who made notable impressions. Today, we look at West players:

East-West Shrine impressions: Five who helped their draft stock, and five who hurt it - NFL - Sporting News
While Saturday’s East-West Shrine Game is important, most of the NFL scouts have already completed their dirty work. Their emphasis was on the padded practices all week leading up to the game. From those practices, we have broken down the five players who helped themselves the most and the five who struggled most.

2012 Shrine Game: Interview with RJ Blanton, CB, Notre Dame | Articles
When you think of physicality on the football field, it's a running back barrelling through a hole, linebackers blowing up plays in the backfield, or linemen battling it out in trenches. But RJ Blanton of Notre Dame brings that added physical play that few NFL cornerbacks can consistently offer.