2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Prospects 16-20
By Chris West
Nov 1, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) sacks Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) in the fourth quarter at Folsom Field. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Danny Shelton, NT
College team: Washington
Size: 6’2″, 339 lbs
Speed: 40yd-5.64, 10yd-1.90
Measurements: Arms-32″, Hands-10 and 1/4″
Danny Shelton is a very large man. He is also a very slow man. It is amazing that from the nose tackle spot, he had the second most tackles on his team with 93 and had 16 tackles for loss being so slow of foot.
Sheltton also had 9.5 sacks and 5 fumble recoveries. He also earned both first team All-American honors for his play on the field and Academic All-American for his work in the classroom. He dominated in drills leading up to the Senior Bowl in January.
Shelton uses his strength well to collapse the pocket
Strengths:
Shelton has a great motor for a big man. He pursues the ball all over the field and that shows up in his statistics. Shelton uses his strength well to collapse the pocket and force the quarterback outside.
Shelton can anchor the middle and take on the double-team block. He has good vision and is able to shed the block and tackle the ball carrier. Shelton uses his large body to gain leverage well.
Weaknesses:
Shelton is abnormally slow. He makes up for it somewhat with his high motor though. He had most of his sacks in bunches against the weakest teams on Washington’s schedule.
Shelton will tire if used to the extent he was at UW. He was inconsistent when he tired while playing so many snaps, particularly against the better teams. Shelton could have a tendency to gain weight and must be in a strong conditioning program.
Redskins fit:
Shelton would immediately be put into the rotation at NT for the Redskins. With Terrance Knighton and Chris Baker there though, the snaps may be limited unless he excels. Knighton is signed for only 2015 so Shelton could take over as the starter in 2016.
Shelton would not be part of any 4 man pass rush lines for the Redskins. He would most likely be limited to first & second down and short yardage situations. Shelton is a classic two-gap nose tackle and may not fit as well in a one-gap system if that is what defensive coordinator Joe Barry plans to run.
Next: The Number Nineteen Redskins Draft Prospect