10 leading candidates for rookie of the year
By Andrew Garda
Danny Shelton, DT, Cleveland Browns
If it’s hard for a pass-rusher like Atlanta’s Vic Beasley to get noticed, it might be impossible for an interior guy like Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton to catch voter’s eyes.
He should get opportunities though, as he will step in at nose tackle on day one for the Browns. This was a terrible run-stopping unit in 2014, so Shelton will need to step right up.
He can do it too. While he didn’t test fast at the Combine, he’s quick on tape. Shelton has a great deal of strength and athleticism, despite his size, which will help him smother an offense’s ground attack. He’s also a solid pass rusher, able to get his hands inside on an offensive lineman and get him out of the way.
Nobody else on the roster is really going to be able to keep up with him if Shelton reaches his potential in this defense.
Of course, with nobody else really on his potential level, that means teams can focus more on him. In college, there were times when he struggled against bigger centers and an occasional double-team. It’s only going to get harder in Cleveland against NFL offensive lines.
Shelton is going to have to put forth consistent effort on every down, and he may have to do it despite a lot of offensive line attention. On the other hand, if players around him – especially on the edge – can be consistently threatening themselves, offensive linemen will have to focus on them as well, giving Shelton a chance to plug up the middle or hit the quarterback.
Next: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Indianapolis Colts