Drew Shelton
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Drew Shelton
When it comes to building through the O-line, the Miami Dolphins have not had much success. Whether it be whiffs such as Liam Eichenberg or Jonah Savaiinaea or just inconsistency in the line overall, they simply have not been able to find any sort of winning formula up front. That is why in this year’s draft, it is paramount they nail their offensive line choice. According to Tony Pauline, a Penn State O-lineman could be the solution.
Drew Shelton, while still very raw as a prospect, has highly intriguing athleticism and decent measurables at the position. His versatility has helped him to thrive in one of college football’s more dynamic offenses in the past couple of seasons. He could also potentially have a workout with the Dolphins ahead of the draft to prove himself as well, according to Pauline.
Traits Over Polish: Why Shelton Fits Miami’s Vision
The grades from PFF are also there as well as the stats from his combine performance, as his broad jump and vertical showcased his underrated traits. However, it is his 70.6 overall PFF grade that stands out, having ranked squarely in the middle of the pack for all O-lineman last year in FBS play. Most impressively, he only allowed one sack all of last season and only two two seasons ago.
Even more importantly, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he has the traits that not only the Dolphins like, but that fit in their new look offense under Bobby Slowik. “Athletic left tackle prospect with two seasons as a full-time starter at Penn State. His basketball background shows up with natural fluidity as a move blocker and in meeting edge rushers with his pass slides”, Zierlein wrote of Shelton.
Most importantly, when you look at what Slowik wants to do in both the run and pass game, the description of Shelton’s positive traits truly stand out above the negatives, meaning that he could truly benefit the Dolphins in establishing the run, something Bobby Slowik predicates his offensive schemes on.
Patience and Development: A Long-Term Investment Up Front
Also, should the Dolphins draft Shelton, there would be no rush to start him, as they still have Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson installed at the guard positions. That way, Shelton has a chance to be eased into the offense without any pressure on him for immediate success.
The former foibles of the last Dolphins front office in identifying elite O-line talent may have traumatized Dolphins fans, but with Jon-Eric Sullivan now taking the reins as GM, there is a new feel as to how he approaches things. Despite the fact the team are deep into rebuild mode, he is keeping all his options open and scouting with an elite eye.
Most importantly, he is doing his due diligence to truly diagnose talent he believes. With Shelton, while he still may be an unfinished product, his traits and performance have led Sullivan to give him another look. Because of it, the Dolphins may uncover a hidden gem that will solidify the O-line for years to come.