Zach Shackelford 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Zach Shackelford 2020 NFL Draft Profile

NFL Teams looking for a late round prospect with leadership qualities need not look further than Texas center Zach Shackelford. The Longhorn captain was coached by Bob Shipley at Belton High School, becoming a two-time all-state honoree and four-year starter. He was rated No. 45 among guards nationally and No. 97 overall in Texas by ESPN before moving to center. Shackelford was part of an offense that averaged 40.9 points, 442.6 total yards and 284.4 rushing yards per game. In addition to football, he participated in powerlifting through junior year in high school, and track and field (shot put and discus) as a freshman and sophomore. Shackelford committed to Texas following high school.

College

As a freshman, Zach Shackelford started in the season opener against then No.10 Notre Dame, helping the Longhorns to a 50-47 upset in double overtime. He earned FWAA Freshman All-American honors and was honorable mention All-Big 12 while being named to the All-Big 12 underclassmen team by ESPN.com. In his sophomore season, he was named Academic All-Big 12 Second Team while playing in 10 games, making eight starts. In his junior year, Shackelford played in 11 games with 10 starts and was named first team All-Big 12 by the AP and second team by the coaches. He concluded his junior year by starting at center during Texas’ 28-21 win over Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

As a senior, Shackelford played in and started 13 games at center while being named a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award and a semifinalist for the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy. He was part of a Texas OL that helped protect QB Sam Ehlinger account for 4,326 yards of total offense (No. 2 in school history) and 39 total touchdowns (No. 3).

Strengths

Great lateral mobility;

Strong Hands;

High IQ;

Strong leadership;

Fluid on the line;

High Athleticism.

Weaknesses

Issues with consistency against blocks;

Lacks proper balance;

Below average anchor;

Struggles with power on point of attack;

Competitive toughness not consistent;

Lack of versatility.

NFL Comparison: Nick Martin

Projection: Mid 5th Round

Bottom Line on Zach Shackelford

Zach Shackelford is a primary center prospect who will struggle is asked to move across the line. His leadership qualities will make him a welcome addition in any locker room. His footwork as a center is appealing to any coach who plans to draft one. Shackelford also has performed well in the Big12 conference where high offensive line play is critical.

His snap consistency is lacking and will need to be refined. Shackelford’s strength will also need to increase if he plans to start in the league. Coaches will also need to help him overcome the struggle of mask his lack of influence at the point of attack. A developmental prospect who will certainly earn a practice squad spot or sneak in at the back end of a roster.