NFL Draft: 11 risers from the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl
By Rob Paul
![Juice Scruggs (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Juice Scruggs (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c0e29716b8094b135567a9eb77fe3e9303f107b1d7539d5a9552ac7d797155e6.jpg)
Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty (5-8, 175)
With a strong group of receivers at the Shrine Bowl, Flowers and Perry had most of the clout heading into the week, but a few put together good-looking weeks that will help their NFL Draft stock. Chief among them was Liberty’s Demario Douglas.
Douglas was putting cornerbacks on the West roster through the wringer all week with his suddenness, speed, and route running. Not surprisingly, he thrived in one-on-ones where players of his skill set tend to, but the amount of separation he consistently created was what was so impressive.
Not only did he flash his athleticism as a route runner, but he also showed nuance and understanding of pacing a route and mixing up his release; which is especially important for smaller receivers. The most impressive part of the week though for Douglas was his ability to track the ball and finish plays.
Coming into the week Douglas was a late Day 3 prospect, or even a priority undrafted free agent, but should get looks early to mid-Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft with the way the NFL has valued players like him recently.
Liberty’s Demario Douglas slow playing the wheel route and then showing phenomenal ball tracking skills on this rep at the #ShrineBowl. He’s been a big riser this week. pic.twitter.com/d92JdxFfuY
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 31, 2023