2016 NFL mock draft: Pre-Combine

6th Round

Brandon Shell – OT – South Carolina

Strengths: Terrific size and frame for the NFL, Shell also possesses surprising athleticism that allows him to get out quickly against edge rushers or to the second level in the run game.  Plays the position very naturally and has a good base for coaches to work with.  A durable player with 47 starts under his belt, including LT in 2015.

Weaknesses: His quickness can actually work against him at times as he will find himself in a position where he is waiting on the defender and will allow his feet to settle.  Will also struggle with defenders that are quicker than him because he expects to get outside before they do.  Much better in the run game than against the pass rush.

The Fit: Shell never lived up to his billing, but still saw a good deal of success at South Carolina.  He’ll need to be put through the ringer by coaches to drill into his head to keep his feet working, but his natural talent is very intriguing.  Has the athleticism RTs need these days to keep pace with the quicker pass rushers defenses are throwing against them.