10 Sleeper Offensive Linemen Bears Could Target In The 2016 NFL Draft
Brandon Shell-South Carolina-OT
PLAYER OVERVIEW:
Brandon Shell is the great Nephew of hall of fame former Raider offensive lineman Art Shell so the bloodlines are there. Has a lot of the same traits as his uncle as he is a tough durable lineman who you can count on being in the lineup for 16-19 games a season for the next 10 years.
MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:
First thing you notice when you first gaze upon Shell is what a massive man he is. The second thing you notice when you see him on the football field is how nimble he is for such a giant man. Had a very good SPARQ score because of that size to athleticism ratio. He’s also logged in an amazing amount of work with the Gamecocks. Started 48 games out of 52 played in including 47 consecutive. This while missing an entire spring of football with a torn labrum and still started every game that season. Here are his combine numbers at his NFL.com draft profile.
SCOUTING REPORT:
Positives: Has great size. Big frame, Tall, Long arms and big hands that he uses well to manhandle anything he gets his grip on. Also delivers a powerful punch with those big mitts, and uses his long arms to keep his target at bay and away from his frame. Extremely durable and tough. Plays through pain and nagging injuries. Played both tackle spots including the left side his senior season which is no small accomplishment with the edge rushers they have in the SEC. You also would assume he can easily transition to guard on either side making him a perfect candidate as a swing lineman on game day so that positional versatility brings a tangible value.
Negatives: Not fleet of foot. Even though he had a good SPARQ score relative to his position group, at almost 79% of what is the current crop of NFL Offensive lineman. However this does not mean he is in the élite of NFL offensive tackles. He also plays too high. Easy for defensive linemen to get in his frame and gain leverage should he not get his arms extended and deliver a jolting punch. These can be corrected by learning proper technique as he develops.
Next: Sleeper Offensive Lineman #4