The East-West Shrine Bowl is about to ignite with defensive talent, and some of these players could be game-changers for NFL teams! Over 130 college standouts are descending upon Frisco, Texas, at The Star this week, all eager to impress NFL scouts and coaches during practice sessions leading up to the big game next Tuesday night. This year, they'll be guided by a new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, who was just hired and will be working right in the Cowboys' backyard.
But who are the defensive dynamos that could catch the eye of the Dallas Cowboys, and potentially many other teams? Let's dive into some of the most compelling prospects:
Domani Jackson – Cornerback, Alabama
Remember that highly-touted five-star recruit from high school? That's Domani Jackson. After starting his college journey at USC, he transferred to Alabama for his final two seasons. And boy, did he make an impact! In 2024, he set personal bests with 51 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. Even in the most recent season, he contributed 38 tackles to an Alabama secondary that made it all the way to the College Football Playoff.
From a physical standpoint, Jackson fits the mold of cornerbacks Dallas has favored in the past. Standing at 6'1 and weighing 196 pounds, he excels in man-to-man coverage. While there's always room for refinement, Dallas' new Defensive Coordinator, Christian Parker, has a proven knack for developing talent at this position. But here's where it gets interesting: Can Jackson translate his physical tools and impressive collegiate stats into NFL success, especially in a league that's increasingly reliant on lockdown corners?
Dontay Corleone – Interior Defensive Lineman, Cincinnati
Prepare for a rare sight in Frisco: Dontay Corleone, a true college football lifer from Cincinnati! He's one of those rare gems who stayed with one program throughout his entire collegiate career, fulfilling a childhood dream of representing the Bearcats. Despite his loyalty, Corleone navigated significant changes, including a playoff appearance in the American Conference and a transition to the Big 12. Throughout it all, he proved himself as a formidable run-stuffer and an occasional pass rusher.
For NFL teams seeking depth on their defensive line, Corleone offers valuable experience and a battle-tested mentality. He'll have the perfect opportunity to showcase his toughness in the one-on-one drills this week. And this is the part most people miss: In an era where players frequently transfer, is Corleone's unwavering commitment to Cincinnati a sign of exceptional character, or does it raise questions about his adaptability to new environments?
Harold Perkins – Linebacker, LSU
Harold Perkins is an absolute enigma in this draft class. In his freshman year at LSU in 2022, he burst onto the scene as one of the SEC's most electrifying pass rushers, racking up 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. However, his role shifted in subsequent seasons. While he still posted strong numbers (5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles), the explosive impact wasn't quite the same.
The million-dollar question for NFL teams is: How will Perkins be deployed? He's undeniably effective at getting after the quarterback from anywhere on the field. As a traditional linebacker, however, there's still development needed, despite a career-best 3 interceptions in 2025. The Shrine Bowl offers him a prime stage to shine. Given the Cowboys' need for an improved pass rush, Perkins could be the player tasked with disrupting opposing offenses and making those game-changing plays. Is his versatility a strength that can be molded, or will his specialized pass-rushing ability limit his overall impact?
Karson Sharar – Linebacker, Iowa
Iowa has a storied history of producing NFL-caliber linebackers, with names like Jack Campbell and Ben Niemann coming to mind. Karson Sharar is aiming to be the next in line, bringing a blend of toughness and versatility to the second level of defense. He played both weakside and middle linebacker for the Hawkeyes, though he seems most at home on the weakside.
Sharar earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors during his sole season as a full-time starter. He led Iowa with an impressive 83 tackles, along with 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. One of those sacks came against Heisman finalist Diego Pavia in the ReliaQuest Bowl. His sharp football intellect, adaptability, and quick instincts make him an attractive prospect for many NFL teams. He has a fantastic chance to impress at the Shrine Bowl practices and solidify his spot in what is shaping up to be a deep linebacker draft class. Do you believe Sharar's intelligence and versatility will allow him to overcome any perceived physical limitations at the next level?
Lander Barton – Linebacker, Utah
At a towering 6'5 and 236 pounds, Lander Barton is a physical specimen at the linebacker position, and it truly shows in his play. Over the past two seasons, he's accumulated 127 total tackles, 5 pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. He possesses the athleticism, speed, and explosiveness for his size, though he may need some refinement in his pursuit angles, as he can sometimes over-pursue.
Regardless, with the Cowboys' clear need at linebacker, Barton's skillset could allow him to make an immediate impact. He's an experienced player who has seen significant action at a physically demanding program like Utah. While you always scout the player, not the helmet, his background suggests he's been well-coached for defensive responsibilities. Could Barton's sheer size and physical presence be enough to dominate NFL offenses, or will his pursuit inconsistencies be a major red flag for teams?
These are just a few of the defensive talents to keep an eye on. What are your thoughts on these prospects? Do you see any of them fitting in with your favorite NFL team? Let us know in the comments below!
