STWF Sports | DALLAS | Jan. 22, 2026 — Quarterbacks took center stage during East-West Shrine Bowl week on January 22, as the Wilson QBX Throwing Session offered NFL evaluators a modern, data-driven window into the skill sets of eight of the 2026 NFL Draft’s top quarterback prospects. Held as part of the Shrine Bowl’s on-field evaluation slate, the session blended traditional quarterback drills with advanced technology, reinforcing how scouting continues to evolve alongside sports science.
The throwing session utilized Wilson’s QBX connected football system, a sensor-equipped football designed to capture real-time performance metrics. As quarterbacks worked through scripted throws, data was instantly transmitted and displayed to scouts, coaches, and executives representing all 32 NFL teams. The technology allowed evaluators to pair what they saw on the field with objective measurements, providing a deeper layer of context to each rep.
Among the metrics tracked were velocity, measured in miles per hour; release time, gauging how quickly the ball left a quarterback’s hand; spin rate, recorded in revolutions per minute; and spiral efficiency, which evaluates the tightness and stability of the throw. Together, those data points offered tangible insight into arm strength, mechanical efficiency, and overall ball quality.
While the eight participating quarterbacks rotated evenly through the session, the event occurred against the backdrop of a Shrine Bowl week featuring several high-profile signal callers. Cade Klubnik of Clemson and Mark Gronowski of South Dakota State were among the quarterbacks drawing attention throughout the week’s practices, and the QBX session further underscored why the position remains one of the most closely scrutinized during the pre-draft process.
Evaluators often contextualize QBX data using historical benchmarks supplied by Wilson’s database. A typical NFL quarterback release time hovers around 0.45 seconds, while average velocity checks in near 44.8 mph. Those numbers serve as reference points rather than rigid thresholds, allowing scouts to identify strengths, project development, and compare prospects across different offensive systems and playing styles.
Beyond raw numbers, the structure of the session mirrored NFL expectations. Quarterbacks progressed through a full script of throws, including quick-game concepts, intermediate timing routes, and downfield shots designed to test touch and trajectory. Emphasis was placed on footwork, balance, release consistency, and ball placement, with receivers rotating through routes to evaluate timing and chemistry.
For players, the immediate feedback proved just as valuable as the exposure. Several participants noted that the technology created a “great baseline” for offseason training, offering specific numerical goals to chase rather than relying solely on subjective assessments. Knowing how close — or far — a throw measured against professional averages allowed quarterbacks to pinpoint areas for refinement as they prepare for pro days, combines, and private workouts.
From a scouting perspective, the QBX session exemplified a growing trend toward “smarter” evaluation tools. While the traditional eye test remains foundational, teams increasingly welcome data that supports or challenges what film suggests. The controlled environment of the throwing session stripped away variables such as pass rush and coverage, enabling evaluators to focus strictly on mechanics, arm talent, and decision-making speed.
The East-West Shrine Bowl has long served as a proving ground for quarterbacks seeking to elevate their draft stock. Over the years, the game has featured signal callers who used Shrine Bowl exposure as a springboard to NFL success, reinforcing the importance of every rep during the week. The addition of QBX technology adds another dimension to that legacy, ensuring that modern prospects are evaluated with tools that reflect today’s game.
As Shrine Bowl week continued, the Wilson QBX Throwing Session stood out not for spectacle, but for substance. By merging measurable data with on-field performance, the session provided a clearer, more nuanced picture of quarterback readiness — a snapshot of how the NFL continues to balance tradition and innovation in the search for its next franchise leader.
