Brandon Shell NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Jets Rookie

POSITIVES

The great-nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell, Brandon Shell can hold his own too. A versatile lineman who played both left and right tackle at South Carolina, Shell has the potential to see the field in the pros.

In the run game, Shell is a bully. He’ll lock on to defenders and take them for a ride. He fires out of his stance with leverage and power and will get to the second level with success. Shell uses his length well both in the run and pass games to reach defenders. He’s accurate and poised when attacking linebackers on the edge or in the middle of the field as a run-blocker.

A naturally powerful athlete, Shell isn’t using great technique to win battles and is still getting the job done in the SEC. He needs some polish, but he has athletic upside.

NEGATIVES

Shell can be overaggressive in initiating contact, which leads him to mistime his punch and throws off his body lean and balance. Without great footwork, he often is caught shuffling his feet instead of using a kick-slide to meet edge defenders on the corner.

A lack of fundamentals is one major area affecting Shell as a prospect. He’s not fluid or natural in his movements and shows heavy feet and stiff limbs when on the prowl. He’s been able to win with length for so long in college that he’s become a lunging player without the base to withstand countermoves or true speed.

One might expect Shell to be a beast given his size, but poor feet and an absence of technique hold him back.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 324 lbs.

40 Time: 5.22s

Arm Length: 34 ¾"

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Isaiah Battle, Los Angeles Rams
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)