The Chicago Bears Brass were in full force for the East-West Shrine Bowl this week. GM Ryan Poles and others attended the first practice session of the weekend hoping to get a close look at some intriguing candidates likely to be drafted in a few months. Many positional groups took center stage, from pass rushers to offensive linemen to defensive backs. The wide receivers were probably the most interesting. It’s no secret that Chicago is looking for more guns. Perhaps in this group you will find one worthy of inclusion.
If they were looking for someone to impress, they weren’t disappointed. Several people present chose a name: AT Perry. He attended Wake Forest, where he was the preferred target of prominent quarterback Sam Hartman, who recently moved to Notre Dame. Perry rushed for nearly 2,400 yards and 26 touchdowns in his senior two years of college. He is known for his great size, body control and alpha mentality in 50/50 situations. However, some are concerned about his route-walking.
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline didn’t see such problems.
“If there was one player who really stood out and gave a wow performance on the first day of Shrine Bowl practice, it was AT Perry. He was dominant in every way.
Perry broke away from his opponents through his route, physically knocking them down to make the reception and catching anything thrown in his direction. In short, Perry could not be mated.”
The Chicago Bears undoubtedly took notice of Perry.
An exercise won’t affect their draft bodies very much, but it was something that will make them pay more attention in the coming days. You’ll want to see if Perry can do it again. Often young prospects get off to a good start during the early practices, only to then taper off. In order to really get his draft inventory moving, Perry needs to do it consistently, day in and day out. Poles like bigger guys, as evidenced by their acquisitions of Equanimeous St. Brown, N’Keal Harry and Chase Claypool. So Perry already has a head start on others.
make no mistake Others at this event will work just as hard to attract attention, including the defenders who will be up against him. They won’t like that he taught them that way. It will be interesting to see how he handles a more physical exercise on Day 2. The fun has only just begun. Other prospects in distressed positions will draw the Chicago Bears’ attention. Poles will leave no stone unturned to find help for his squad.