Shrine Bowl Targets for the Miami Dolphins

Shrine Bowl Targets for the Miami Dolphins

As we shift into the off-season, all eyes are on the All-Star circuit games. Those are the off-season college games that showcase talent to NFL scouts (Hula Bowl, American Bowl, Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl, HBCU Legacy Bowl).

The Miami Dolphins had scouts present at the Shrine Bowl, which wrapped up last night. Let’s take a look at which players impressed throughout the practice week and the game, and how they could possibly fit the Miami Dolphins’ needs.

Quarterback 

The Miami Dolphins will likely need to add a quarterback in April, unless a splash signing happens during free agency. The Shrine Bowl featured 2 standouts: former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels and former Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski.

Gronkowski was an “all practice player of the week” for his team in the All-Star game. Both he and Daniels were very good in their playing time during the game last night, with Daniels running a score in with his legs and Gronkowski winning the game’s offensive MVP.

New Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has roots in the play-action passing game, which Daniels was predominantly running this week. Gronowski had lots of experience under center in his lone season as an Iowa Hawkeye. Mark Gronowski scored 156 total career collegiate touchdowns (South Dakota State, Iowa).

Wide Receiver 

Jaylen Waddle can’t do it alone. Though Miami won’t completely shift away from the receiver archetype they’ve been targeting recently, I’m sure the new brass will want some diversity.

If they want to stick with the smaller slot receiver, then Kaden Wetjen sure left a mark. The 1st team All-American returner in 2025 finally had a chance to run routes consistently at the Shrine Bowl. His usage in the Iowa offense was limited but similar to how Mike McDaniel used Malik Washington the last 2 years. He could be a day 3 option for the Dolphins to compete for the rotational slot position.

Miami does need a bigger receiver on the roster. Look no further than Shrine standout Jeff Caldwell. The former Cincinnati Bearcat receiver officially measured in at 6 feet and 4.5 inches tall. He was able to show off his size and speed in both the 1-on-1 drills and had a few strong catches in the first quarter of the game.

An intriguing late-round player with a much-needed toolbox for the Dolphins.

Cornerback 

As of the moment I am writing this, Miami only has 2 cornerbacks under contract for 2026. Year after year, all-star circuit games help bring underrated coverage players to light. Between the game situations and 1-on-1 battles, there is always a name to emerge victorious from the week-long affairs. 2 names really popped at the Shrine Bowl.

Former NC State corner Devon Marshall had such a good string of practices that he opted out of the game portion of the circuit. Recording 15 pass breakups as a senior, Marshall was sticky and instinctual in man coverage all week.

DeVonta Smith (no, not the Eagles receiver) had a great week for the Shrine. Predominantly a role player during his collegiate career at Alabama and Notre Dame, Smith came into the week with something to prove. He was a standout on film on day 2 of the practices and was sound in coverage during the game.

A true sleeper, Miami could benefit from his special teams experience and upside as a late-round cornerback.

Edge Rusher 

The final group I will write about in this article, the Shrine Bowl pass rushers, were a treat to watch. 2 guys in particular had late day 3 grades as a consensus, but boosted their stock by an astronomical margin.

Wesley Williams (Duke) had 8 sacks in 2024, but failed to match his production again. He opted to hit the Shrine Bowl, where he impressed scouts with an unmatched energy and tenacity when rushing the passer. He reportedly met with Miami for a second time after initially meeting with all 32 teams.

The defensive MVP of the game was Mason Reiger. He spent his final collegiate season at Wisconsin. After a slow start at the Shrine Bowl with a lackluster pass rush, he impressed with his on-field awareness and stout anchor.

After many counted him out, he went crazy in the game, recording 3 sacks and a forced fumble, which Wesley Williams recovered for a touchdown. After the game, Reiger was asked how many multiple-sack games he could guarantee the team that would draft him. His response was that his goal was to sack the quarterback as many times as possible each week. His style reminds me of former Packers first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, whom the Dolphins’ new general manager had a hand in drafting.

I’d love to hear about any other Shrine Bowl players you would want on the 2026 Miami Dolphins. Wherever you find this article, be sure to let me know.

By Julian of @draftlives_here