The Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl are two of the most prestigious college all-star games in the United States, showcasing top NFL Draft prospects. While both events serve as stepping stones to the NFL, they differ in history, prestige, player selection, and overall impact on a player’s draft stock.
The former Texas HC Mack Brown exchange words with Arch Manning
Senior Bowl: A Premier NFL Showcase
The Reese’s Senior Bowl was established in 1950 and is played annually in Mobile, Alabama. This game is specifically designed for senior college football players (and some select juniors) who want to improve their draft stock. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious all-star game for NFL hopefuls.
Key aspects:
- Features top senior prospects (and some underclassmen who have graduated).
- Coached by NFL teams, giving players direct exposure to pro-level coaching.
- Held at Hancock Whitney Stadium at the University of South Alabama.
- Often considered the best pre-draft evaluation opportunity outside the NFL Combine.
East-West Shrine Bowl: Football With a Cause
The East-West Shrine Bowl, founded in 1925, is the oldest college all-star football game in the United States. It benefits Shriners Children’s Hospitals, combining charity with player development.
Key aspects:
- Features top college seniors, though the talent pool is generally a step below the Senior Bowl.
- Coached by NFL and college staff, offering solid exposure.
- Played at various locations, with the most recent games hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Focuses not just on football but also on its charitable mission, with players engaging in hospital visits.
Talent Level and Player Selection
While both games attract NFL scouts, the Senior Bowl typically features higher-profile players. Since it includes many top-tier seniors and select underclassmen, it’s considered a more prestigious event for future NFL draftees.
- Senior Bowl: Primarily invites players projected to go in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft.
- East-West Shrine Bowl: Features talented prospects, but most are projected for mid-to-late rounds or undrafted free agency.
Coaching and NFL Exposure
A major difference between the two games is the level of NFL involvement in coaching.
- Senior Bowl: NFL teams directly coach both squads, which means players work within real NFL schemes and gain hands-on experience with professional coaching.
- East-West Shrine Bowl: Coaching staff includes a mix of NFL assistants, college coaches, and developmental coaches. While it still provides NFL exposure, it doesn’t offer the same direct access to full team coaching staffs as the Senior Bowl.
Impact on NFL Draft Stock
The Senior Bowl carries more weight in draft evaluations because it attracts more first-round and second-round talent. Players who perform well can see their stock rise significantly.
Notable Senior Bowl alumni include Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Aaron Donald.
East-West Shrine Bowl alumni include Tom Brady, Brett Favre, and Richard Sherman, but in modern times, it typically features mid-to-late round selections.
The East-West Shrine Bowl still provides opportunities, especially for under-the-radar players who shine in the game and earn NFL Combine invitations.
