NFL Draft 2017: Wisconsin CB Sojourn Shelton scouting report

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

While this is an entirely overused cliche’, it’s a pretty good representation of an athlete who was able to thrive in such a hyper physical game while being listed by UW at 5’9 and 168 pounds.

Sojourn Shelton set a Wisconsin Badgers record for games started in a career with 51, and shares the record for games played in a career with 54. He also ranks fourth all-time in pass break-ups (32) and sixth in school history in passes defended (41).

Last season, Shelton earned first-team All-Big Ten honors (media), second-team by the coaches.

Despite all of the turmoil around the Badgers program since 2013, Shelton has been one of the more steady presences in Madison. Asked with covering the opponent’s best receiver for nearly half of a decade, Shelton will be an interesting eval for NFL teams.

CB Sojourn Shelton

Height: 5090
Weight: 177
Hand Size: 8 3/8”
Arm Length: 31”

40 Yard Dash: 4.51 seconds (Combine), 4.50 seconds (Pro Day)
Three Cone Drill: 6.92 seconds (Combine), 6.78 seconds (Pro Day)
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.02 seconds
Bench Press: 10 reps
Broad Jump: 10’0 (Combine), 10’4.5” (Pro Day)
Vertical Jump: 35”

Strengths: Shelton possesses the mindset to play cornerback at the next level. Exhibits adequate strength for his frame. Shows solid route/combination recognition, has a knack for jumping routes. Has fluid hips and the foot quickness to excel in the slot. Is extremely physical at the line of scrimmage. Effective at jamming bigger receivers. Has shown the speed to turn and run with college receivers. Has performed well against big, pro style receivers (Corey Davis, Malachi Dupre)

Weaknesses: Is short and thin. His lack of height will likely limit him to exclusively playing in the slot. Is willing, but not always able to make up for his lack of size against bigger receivers.

Summary: Shelton was a four-year starter for the Badgers. A highly thought of recruit coming out of Florida, he lived up to the hype. Set records for most games started and played in for a career in Madison. Shelton will be a solid late-round slot corner option for most teams. He’ll have to carve out a niche on special teams as well in order to make him tougher to cut. He’ll be a highly sought after undrafted free agent if he doesn’t get selected late in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Projected Round: 6-UDFA

Sojourn Shelton reflects on NFL Draft journey (B5Q/YouTube)