2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tyler Shelvin





  • Tyler Shelvin, 6-3/346

  • Defensive Tackle

  • LSU


  • Tyler Shelvin Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Tough run defender
  • Two-gap ability
  • Eats up blockers
  • Strong upper and lower body
  • Can hold his ground against downhill runs
  • Lateral anchor
  • Can absorb double teams
  • Short-yardage, goal-line asset




  • Weaknesses:
  • Not a pass rusher
  • Lacks a role in the sub package
  • Struggles to get off blocks
  • Not one to flow down the line to make tackles
  • Limited to being a nose tackle in the NFL
  • One-year wonder
  • Weight, conditioning could be an issue


  • Summary: It took some time, but Shelvin eventually lived up to the billing of being a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He redshirted in 2017, was a backup for 2018, and then became a starter in 2019. Shelvin had a strong 2019 season, recording 39 tackles with three for a loss, two passes batted and zero sacks. He then decided to sit out the 2020 season and enter the 2021 NFL Draft.



    Shelvin is a load at the point of attack in the ground game. He is very tough to move, strong, thick and large. Shelvin uses his mass to eat up blocks and stonewall downhill runs coming straight at him. With his lateral anchor, Shelvin is able to hold his ground while taking on bump blocks to maintain gap integrity and keep running lanes from being opened up. Shelvin could stand to improve his conditioning for the NFL, and that would help him to stay effective for four quarters. As a run defender, Shelvin will be an asset to swallow up blocks and allow linebackers behind him to run free and make tackles.

    Against the pass, Shelvin can get some push with a bull rush, but for the NFL, he is a nose tackle who will leave the game in the sub package. Shelvin does not have the speed, hips, or twitch to rush as a three-technique. He could be a 3-4 nose tackle who operates as a zero-technique to knock the center into the backfield.

    Shelvin could get selected on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft. Some team sources said they had given Shelvin a third-round grade. Going in the third or fourth round looks likely for Shelvin, and he could become a starting nose tackle early in his NFL career.



    Player Comparison: Danny Shelton. Shelvin reminds me of Shelton. Both are heavy nose tackles who are tough run defenders and have limitations as pass rushers.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2021 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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