Drew Shelton Draft Grade | Round 4, Pick 12 | FanVerdicts

C-

Below averagePick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Reach

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OT · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #123 · Day 3 Sleeper

Drew Shelton emerged as Penn State's starting left tackle midway through his sophomore season and developed into one of the Big Ten's more reliable pass protectors by his senior year. The Pennsylvania native possesses ideal tackle measurables with long arms and solid athleticism, making him an intriguing developmental prospect despite inconsistent technique. Shelton's draft stock has steadily climbed due to his ability to neutralize elite pass rushers in critical moments, though concerns about his run blocking consistency and occasional lapses in hand placement keep him from Day 2 consideration. His upside as a zone-scheme tackle with starting potential makes him an attractive mid-round selection.

Strengths

+Excellent arm length and hand size allow him to keep pass rushers at distance and establish initial contact points effectively in pass protection sets.

+Shows good lateral movement in zone blocking schemes, capable of climbing to second level and sealing linebackers on combination blocks with center or guard.

+Demonstrates solid anchor strength against bull rushes, rarely gets driven backward into the pocket when he establishes proper leverage and hand placement.

+Possesses good football IQ and pre-snap recognition, consistently identifies Mike linebacker and adjusts protection schemes accordingly without confusion.

+Flashes ability to mirror speed rushers around the arc, showing adequate recovery speed when beaten on initial contact or false steps.

+Strong work ethic and coachability evident in his steady improvement from sophomore to senior seasons, particularly in pass protection fundamentals.

+Handles stunts and twists well, communicating effectively with interior linemen and rarely allowing free rushers through A or B gaps.

+Shows potential as a mauler in short-yardage situations, generating decent push when he gets proper leverage and hand placement on defensive ends.

+Good durability record with only minor injuries throughout college career, missing just two games due to ankle sprain in 2024 season.

+Demonstrates leadership qualities as team captain, often seen helping younger linemen with technique and assignments during practice and games.

Weaknesses

-Inconsistent hand placement leads to holding penalties and allows defenders to shed blocks more easily, particularly problematic against experienced pass rushers.

-Struggles with power moves from strong defensive ends, getting overwhelmed when opponents can establish inside leverage and drive through his chest.

-Footwork can be sloppy in pass protection, occasionally crossing feet or taking false steps that put him in compromising positions against quick rushers.

-Run blocking in gap schemes is below average, lacking the natural nastiness and drive blocking ability needed to consistently create running lanes.

-Can be late recognizing inside moves from edge rushers, allowing too much penetration up the field before adjusting his angle and hand placement.

-Motor runs hot and cold, sometimes failing to finish blocks or sustain effort through the whistle, particularly in blowout games or late in contests.

-Lacks elite athletic ability for the position, limiting his ceiling as a potential starter against top-tier NFL pass rushers who can win with pure speed.

NFL Comparison: Kolton Miller

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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