Scouting report: Shawn Nelson
6’5, 240 pounds |
Strengths: Possesses very good hands to make tough catches. Good height and has long limbs. Will test well, which will deceive some teams. Likes to split out and line up at wide receiver. Likes to run vertical routes. Nicely uses his height against safeties to make catches high. Good agility. A four-year starter at Southern Miss.
Weaknesses: Nelson’s biggest problem is that he’s really only good at catching passes. He doesn’t have a lot of bulk and reportedly has trouble putting on weight. Looks like a basketball player. Not especially strong to break tackles after the catch. Non-existent as a blocker. Nothing more than a second tight end who specializes in catching passes.
Final word: Nelson is strictly a pass-catching tight end. He was consistent throughout his career managing between 450 and 550 yards every year. Oddly, his yards per catch went down every season. Lack of blocking ability will turn some teams off completely. Cousin of Chiefs defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
Round projection: 3
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