Armed with only one Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys had a decision to make. Do they select a promising 34-game starter at left tackle, or do they pick the enormous hybrid linebacker from Michigan? Powers that be opted for Jaishawn Barham out of Michigan at pick No. 92, but according to reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some Cowboys officials wanted Drew Shelton on Day 2.
As luck would have it, Dallas got their cake and ate it too when Shelton fell to them for pick No. 112. The Cowboys grabbed the ultra-athletic tackle from Penn State and never looked back. It was a pick praised by many and a player in which Dane Brugler said had “starting potential.” So far in camp, it’s still all unrealized potential for the fourth-round pick.
Shelton’s athletic profile was something to be excited about. He graded in the top tier in all the major categories and 29 straight starts meant he was durable to boot. He only allowed one sack and committed just one penalty in his final season and brought with him high character grades and quick feet. No one wanted or expected him to start as a rookie, but expectations were strong regardless.
Yet, in these early phases of training camp this summer, Shelton appears to be on a longer developmental plan than initially hoped for.
Shelton solely played the left tackle position in college, but the Cowboys have used him on the left and right. If anything, it appears they’re pegging him for RT2 behind Terence Steele. The Cowboys don’t embrace the swing tackle position like in the past and often separate players as right side or left side players. With Nate Thomas the principal backup to Tyler Guyton at left tackle, it only makes sense Shelton works behind Steele. It also makes sense that he’s struggling.
Shelton was always going to have an issue with strength at the next level. Strength was a concern throughout his four years in school and it continues to be a concern today as a 22-year-old rookie. After four years at one of the best facilities in the country, strength may always be an issue for Shelton.
Shelton is a finesse player which brings with it limitations. As long as the quick feet and technical handwork can get up to par, he can keep pace against the many explosive edge rushers in the NFL. But until strength is addressed, bull-rushers and power moves will always be a problem. Shelton is performing like the fourth-round pick he was drafted as, not the Day 2 pick he almost was.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys’ 4th-round rookie developing slower than hoped after switch
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
