18 Jun Preseason Scouting Notes: Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU
Redshirt Junior | 6’3” 346 lbs | Lafayette, LA | July 22, 1998
A true nose tackle who is stout as a run defender with a strong punch and mismatch ability
Overview:
Tyler Shelvin is arguably one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2021 draft class. Coming off a national championship season in which he was perhaps the best overall performer on the LSU front, he aims to be just as productive in 2020. He spends the vast majority of his time lined up directly on top of the center in a true 0-technique. And even when he is not making the tackle, he impacts plays by occupying multiple lineman or clogging up running lanes. If he can improve on his 39 tackles from 2019, he could make a case to be one of the first DL off the board in 2021.
Strengths:
– Punch Strength: visible pop and recoil
– Anchor Strength: sets feet and stalemates opposing lineman
– True 2-Gap ability
– Flashes the ability reset the line of scrimmage
– Stifles double teams and keeps LBs free
– Mismatch against lone centers
– Sound tackler
Areas To Improve:
– Gets off-balance in pass rush
– Pass Rush Repertoire is limited. Only has an average bull rush, and needs to get better at hand fighting
– Get off is not very fast or explosive on majority of plays
– Occasionally plays with a high pad level
– Block shedding ability needs improvement
Injury Concerns:
N/A
Projection:
Shelvin has the tools and ability to be an asset at the NFL level. He projects as a true nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. While he can also play as a 1 or 2i in a 4-3 defense, the true nose role in an odd front is his best fit. He is rarely on the field in passing situations, and will likely not be a big contributor against the pass at the next level. Despite this, his ability to be a true 2-gap player against the run will allow him to make an impact. He has Day 1 upside in his game, but the fact that he is merely a 2-down player at this point will likely drop him to the Day 2 range.
What To Watch In 2020:
Shelvin will be a leader on the LSU defense this season, and will be expected to perform at a high level. Replicating his 2019 would in itself be a good season, but improving upon it would raise his draft stock to a new level. Improving his explosiveness off the ball will be a key thing to watch for, as well as keeping his pad level lower on a consistent basis. Developing a more diverse pass rush repertoire for when he actually is in the game will be important, but his main strength is in the run game. Anything beyond that is just a cherry on top.
- Played 4 years of college football as a Defensive Tackle and Long Snapper at Division 3 Rhodes College.
- Experience in data collection/analysis/scouting for both Football and Baseball.
- Georgia native and firm believer that Georgia sports teams are cursed.