2) Defensive heavyweights

Mirroring the 2026 NFL Draft as a whole, the Shrine Bowl features a wealth of talent on the defensive line — both inside and out, Galko said.

Galko name-checked the Texas A&M duo of Albert Regis and Tyler Onyedim, Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr. and Clemson’s DeMonte Capehart as some of the stronger DL prospects at this year’s Shrine Bowl, with multiple prospects from that position showing the potential to be top-100 picks.

But there are two well-known linebacker prospects who might go even higher.

Cincinnati’s Jake Golday and LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. might end up as two of the first players drafted from this year’s game.

Golday possesses a pro-ready frame and he’s able to help NFL teams in a variety of ways: blitzing the A-gap, rushing around the edge, stopping the run from off the ball and dropping back into zones. Galko believes Golday will have an earnest shot at cracking Round 1, with the top 50 as his floor.

“I think we’ve got a handful of guys that could be first-round picks,” Galko said. “I think Golday is one of the 30 best players in this class. … Teams are oftentimes now not maybe valuing linebacker the same way they used to, but having a guy like Golday who can do all those things, he’s a really special, special player.”

A former five-star recruit, Perkins earned early attention with the Tigers his first two seasons but appeared less impactful his final two. He was moved around on LSU’s defense — as both a rush end and an off-the-ball linebacker — and wasn’t always used the way NFL teams might deploy him. Galko believes Perkins can distinguish himself at the Shrine Bowl.

“Shrine Bowl week, you’ll see him dropping coverage,” Galko said. “You’ll see him match up against tight ends as a Sam linebacker in coverage. And then you’ll see him rush the edge as a two-down edge rusher as well, too. I know he’ll show NFL teams like, hey, this is the same elite talent that you saw earlier in his career.”

Other LB prospects Galko mentioned as possible standouts include Michigan’s Jimmy Rolder, Utah’s Lander Barton, USC’s Eric Gentry and Texas A&M’s Taurean York, an undersized demon in the mold of the 49ers’ Eric Kendricks.

“I mean, just ignore the height,” Galko said of York. “He’s one of those outliers.”

3) The next Croskey-Merritt?

One of the best “finds” at the 2025 Shrine Bowl was Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who played only one game his senior season but stood out at Shrine practices and earned Offensive MVP honors at the game. The Commanders drafted him in Round 7, and Croskey-Merritt finished fourth among all rookies in rush yards (805) and third in rush TDs (eight).

So, is there another Croskey-Merritt in this year’s class, a diamond in the rough who has been overlooked?

Galko nominated LSU WR Chris Hilton Jr., who barely had more receptions (41) than career college games (38), and only 10 of those catches came last season. In addition to being hindered by injuries in college, Hilton also found himself competing for time over his LSU career with the likes of Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Kayshon Boutte, Jack Bech and Trey Palmer, along with a few other 2026 WR prospects.

Hilton’s situation might be different than that of Croskey-Merritt, but the Shrine Bowl opportunity is similar, Galko said.

“It’s not like (Hilton) didn’t play last year, but in terms of scouting-wise, someone who jumps out in particular is Chris Hilton,” Galko said. “If you put the over-under at 4.3 (seconds) for his 40 time at the combine, I am taking the under. That’s how fast he is, and it shows on film.”

Hilton already competed at the Hula Bowl, where Galko felt he was the best WR prospect at the game. At the Shrine, Hilton might be able to continue rising and give scouts more to chew on following a disappointing college career.

“We’ve been following Chris Hilton for many years,” Galko said. “I think if you watch his whole college career, you’re saying, ‘Man, if this guy’s career plays out differently, this is a top-100 pick all day long — and an eventual NFL starter.’ He’s my guess for the guy who goes (later in the draft), but you look back and the talent says he should have gone way higher.”