2018 East-West Shrine Game: 5 Players who improved stock

With the 2018 East-West Shrine game over, here are five players who improved their stock heading further into the offseason.

5. Marcus Martin

How about Marcus Martin? The Division-II product out of Slippery Rock had about as great of a season on the defensive side of the ball as you’ll ever see. He’s the all-time NCAA sack record holder at any level and finished the 2017 season with 15.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss. That kind of production rightfully earned Martin a spot in the East-West Shrine game and he showed off his versatility in a way not many were expecting.

While the East team sufficed just 10 points on the day, it was Martin’s touchdown catch from J.T. Barrett in the third quarter that gave his team the lead. Yes, the record-setting defensive end even can catch touchdown passes. Martin was lined up as a fullback on the play and went uncovered in the flat, leading to an easy score. It was a memorable way to cap off his collegiate career and it even increased his draft stock.

Martin showed flashes of Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle/fullback Pat Ricard, who played a similar role as a rookie this season. While he didn’t have the same production as Martin in college, the versatility can’t be overlooked. Martin is an elite pass rusher who has the size and ability to play at the next level. If he can further show his ability to play on both sides of the ball, it’s just another positive to add to his draft resume. That’s not something you’ll find in many draft prospects this year.