Sheldon Day (Notre Dame) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #103 by JAX
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Sheldon Day - 2016 NFL Draft
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Notre Dame
Overview
Sheldon Day was regarded as one of the more promising defensive tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft. With a solid college career at Notre Dame, he showcased a combination of strength, quickness, and technical skills that made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive lines.
Strengths
- Quick First Step: Day demonstrated a quick burst off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays.
- Strong Hands: He utilized his hands effectively to shed blockers, showcasing his ability to disengage and make tackles.
- Versatile Skill Set: Day was capable of playing both defensive tackle positions, providing flexibility for defensive coordinators.
- Solid Technique: His technique, including pad level and leverage, was refined, making him an asset against both the run and the pass.
Weaknesses
- Size Concerns: At 6'2", Day's height was considered a disadvantage against larger offensive linemen.
- Inconsistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where his impact was less notable, raising concerns about his consistency at the next level.
- Durability: There were questions about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the NFL due to previous injuries during his college career.
Projected Draft Position
Sheldon Day was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft. His skill set made him a desirable option for teams seeking depth and rotational players along the defensive line.
Conclusion
Sheldon Day was seen as a player with the potential to contribute at the NFL level, particularly in a rotational role. His combination of agility, technique, and versatility made him a valuable asset, despite concerns about size and consistency.