6 rings and football things: a look at some potential patriots at the east-west shrine bowl with khari thompson
It’s the showcase bowl season in the NFL this week as both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Reese's Senior Bowl are taking place in Frisco, TX and Mobile, AL respectively.
Given how important this upcoming offseason is for New England, we'll be keeping a close eye on all things NFL Draft here at WEEI all winter and spring long.
On the latest edition of the 6 Rings and Football Things podcast, I spoke with WBUR's Khari Thompson, who is at the Shrine Bowl, to get a feel for the prospects in Frisco from a Patriots perspective.
Here's a closer look at six of them:
WR Tahj Washington, USC
While catching passes from quarterback Caleb Williams, USC’s Tahj Washington tallied career highs in catches (59), yards (1,062), and touchdowns (8) in 2023. He had four games with over 100+ yards and, in their Holiday Bowl win versus Louisville, caught 7 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
At 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, Washington is a bit on the smaller side but his quick feet and ability to stop on a dime make him an intriguing prospect to add to any offense.
OG Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Christian Mahogany is arguably the top prospect at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl.
A 6-foot-3 guard out of Boston College, Mahogany was named to the All-ACC Second Team in 2021 and, after missing the 2022 season due to injury, was named to the First Team this season.
According to WBUR’s Khari Thompson, Mahogany also took some snaps at center in Frisco this week. Given David Andrews’ age, Cole Strange’s injury history, and Mike Onwenu’s status up in the air, Mahogany could make sense in Foxborough next season.
RB Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
The son of NFL legend Frank Gore, Frank Gore Jr. has been the focal point of Southern Miss’ offense over the last two seasons.
A running back just like his father, Gore Jr. has rushed for over 3,000 yards and has tallied 22 total touchdowns since 2022 and averaged 6.1 yards per carry as a sophomore.
While the Patriots have a clear-cut starting running back in Rhamondre Stevenson, their backup from this past season in Ezekiel Elliott is a pending free agent and behind him, don’t have a proven commodity in the room. Given Stevenson is entering a contract year, New England will need to address the position one way or another this offseason.
WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Second to only Roman Wilson in receptions and third to only Wilson and Colston Loveland in yards, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson played a large part in Michigan’s national championship-winning offense this season.
Johnson has impressed at the Shrine Bowl thus far and, according to Shrine Bowl director Eric Galko, “was the only player to be top-5 in max acceleration and deceleration (aka, elite in stop/start)” at Day 1 of practice.” Not bad for a pass catcher standing at 6-foot-3.
DE Mo Kamara, Colorado State
Although New England’s defense is rather rock solid heading into 2024, there are still some holes to fill, depth wise, to complete the already stout unit.
Colorado State defensive end Mo Kamara, standing at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, is one to watch this week. Kamara entered 2023 as a team captain, and finished it as Mountain West’s Defensive Player of the Year. He tallied 56 tackles, 13 sacks, and two forced fumbles on his way to All-Mountain West First Team honors.
Given the uncertainly along the Patriots’ defensive line with Lawrence Guy’s age and Matthew Judon’s contract situation, newly-appointed coordinator DeMarcus Covington may want to beef up the unit through the draft.
CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, Toronto Argonauts
The lone player from the Canadien Football League at the Shrine Bowl, Toronto Argonauts cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers has had a fascinating journey to the doorstep of the NFL.
The 22-year-old didn’t play college football and instead tried out for the CFL this past January after a stint in the Fan Controlled Football League. He made the Toronto Argonauts roster and, as a rookie was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie and was also a CFL All-Star.
Stiggers, 6-foot-0, 197 pounds, is on the smaller side for a cornerback but his aggressive nature (five interceptions in 16 CFL games) makes up for it. He’s a fascinating prospect to watch.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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