Danny Shelton 
Washington, NT
Height: 6.2
Weight: 339
40yd: 5.64
Age: 22
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Positives:
A massive defensive lineman, whose athletic ability is better than his size or combine numbers would suggest. Above average initial quickness off the snap for a nose tackle and possesses decent fluidity on the field. Plays very well laterally in small spaces and possesses excellent pursuit range for a big man.
Brings value as a pass rusher with his hands and power. Shows very active hands and uses them to disengage quickly. Effective hand-fighter who uses a frequent and devastating rip move. Gains an initial push with his bull rush and has closing burst to arrive at the quarterback.
Has the tools of a dominating run defender. Makes it difficult for offensive linemen to move him off the ball, even against chips and double teams. Has a very strong anchor and is a space-eater up the middle. More than capable of two-gapping and occupying space for linebackers to clean up. A secure, heavy tackler who arrives with some thump.
Was used as both a nose tackle and a one-technique at Washington and has some scheme and position versatility. Possesses a very good play demeanor and a motor that doesn’t quit despite the surprisingly high volume of snaps played.
Negatives:
Lacks elite athleticism and might not be a day one target for many teams as a result. Is primarily a hands-rusher and is overly reliant on one move, lacking much variety as a pass rusher. Has a limited sphere of influence and is mostly confined to a phone booth. Plays too high and upright, negating his natural power. As a nose tackle, teams will be less interested in a player who won’t play a high percentage of snaps, as seen by Louis Nix’s fall in last year’s draft.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: Danny Shelton is the top nose tackle in this year’s draft class, but will that pay off into a day one selection? Shelton certainly possesses the talent to stuff the run and pressure the pocket, but how much playing time a team will allot for it’s nose tackle could affect his draft position. If a team sees a 4-3 defensive tackle, which Shelton could feasibly play in the NFL, it could be his best bet to hear his name called on the first night of the draft.
Comparison: Louis Nix III
Grade: 9.2 (1st Round)
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