The top plays from our Colorado Buffs in Dallas
The 2024-2025 Shrine Bowl gave Colorado Buffaloes fans one last chance to watch some of their favorite players suit up before the NFL Draft process kicks into full gear.
Five Buffs took the field in front of NFL scouts, coaches and executives, each looking to boost their draft stock and showcase their skills against top competition. With months of preparation leading up to this moment, the game served as a crucial opportunity for these players to make a final statement before the next phase of their football careers. As the dust settles, let’s take a look at some highlights from the night.
Will Sheppard contested catch:
Sheppard has dominated on 50/50 balls all year. When the ball comes in his direction, no ball is truly a jump ball. Early on in the Shrine Bowl, Sheppard got the sticks moving with a sideline grab over a defender.
The Colorado WRs have been impressive all week at the Shrine Bowl.
Wonderful back shoulder catch from Will Sheppard: pic.twitter.com/qWpBBS1zDl
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 31, 2025
Jimmy Horn Jr’s Practice Tape:
Buffs fans know that Jimmy Horn Jr. is a real talent, but after battling injuries in the back half of the year, Horn doesn’t have as much tape as CU’s other receivers. The Shrine Bowl practice field was an important test for Horn and he rose to the occasion.
Jimmy Horn Jr. has been DESTROYING DB’s ankles at the East West Shrine Bowl.
Horn’s routes have reportedly been “giving DB’s hell” and Horn has reportedly been consistently winning matchups.
Many NFL scouts reportedly had Horn graded as a day three pick before these practices… pic.twitter.com/Yqh1a4SGiV
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 29, 2025
Shilo Sanders’s Game Highlights:
Just because you are the coach’s son, doesn’t mean you are going to get any breaks. Shilo didn’t get any breaks whatsoever, as he still has to go out there and play his style of football, even during the off-season. Shilo’s draft stock has taken a hit in the 2024 season, with missed tackles and penalties having stood out to fans and scouts alike.
Here’s a look at Shilo’s best plays from Thursday:
Shilo Sanders bounced back in a BIG way in the East West Shrine Bowl game.
Sanders was reportedly having an “extremely tough time” in practices this week, but put the noise to rest during the game.
Several NFL scouts reportedly still have Sanders tabbed as a “day three” pick as… pic.twitter.com/0TgNZ4qIgI
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 31, 2025
LaJohntay Wester’s practice tape:
Wester did have a significant kick return in the Shrine Bowl, but what will matter most for him going forward will be his ability to play receiver. This week in practice at the Shrine Bowl, LaJohntay looked as fast and as dynamic as ever.
Colorado WR LaJohntay Wester is a nightmare to cover. Electric acceleration & change of direction ability.
Creative OC is going to have a field day scheming him touches. pic.twitter.com/GZqVKDnPJe
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 26, 2025
The next major event for the NFL-hopeful Buffs will be the Combine, which takes place in Indianapolis from February 27th to March 2nd. We’ll be here to update you at Ralphie Report when any new info becomes available.