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Photo of Shawn Nelson
Grade
?
  • 4.56 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 19 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 33.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 115.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6.96 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.46 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'5" Height
  • 240LBS. Weight

Overview

A four-year starter and three-time Conference USA honoree, Nelson is one of the more accomplished of a strong senior class of tight ends - and has the athletic upside to improve. Athletic enough to line up in the slot or out of the three-point stance, Nelson has the size and burst teams are looking for in a receiving specialist and the production to back up his potential. A Senior Bowl invitee, Nelson leaves Southern Miss among the most productive pass-catchers in school history with 157 receptions for 2,054 yards and 16 touchdowns. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Long, lean, athletic frame capable of handling additional mass without a significant loss of quickness. Good initial quickness off the snap. Good body control and lateral agility to dip and avoid the jam at the line of scrimmage to gain a quick release into his route. At least adequate straight-line speed to challenge the seam. Can sink his hips and shows some burst out of his breaks to gain separation. Flashes the ability to snatch the ball out of the air and contort his body to make the difficult reception. Versatile athlete who lines up out of the three-point stance and in the slot. Good effort as an in-line blocker, though he needs to add strength in this area. Negatives: Lacks the bulk at this time to compete as an in-line blocker. Struggles as a drive blocker and laterally due to a lack of upper body strength. Inconsistent burst out of his breaks as a route-runner. Prone to concentration lapses and will drop easy passes. Lacks the agility in the open field to consistently make defenders miss. Marginal ability to track the ball over his shoulder. In many ways, seems to be the same player as a senior he was a freshman, leading scouts to question if he is either maxed out or lacks the drive to improve.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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