Eric Shelton
RB, Louisville
NFL comparison: Jamal Lewis, Ravens
Height: 6-1 Weight: 245
40-yard dash: 4.53 10-yard dash: 1.59
20-yard shuttle: 4.08 60-yard shuttle: 11.68
Broad jump: 10-4 225-lb. bench: 18
3-cone drill: 7.44 Vertical jump: 38
Wonderlic: 23 20-yard dash: 2.66
Inside running: Is a straight-ahead runner, at his best between the tackles. Shows good vision and patience. Reads blocks well and has a good feel for cutback lanes. Is powerful and runs with good pad level. Shows a good burst through the line of scrimmage and can bounce to the outside. Grade: 8.6.
Outside running: Has good speed for his size but won't consistently turn the corner in the NFL. Doesn't have a great second gear. Does a good job of bouncing inside runs to the outside and is a load to bring down in the open field. Grade: 7.3.
Blocking: Has good overall bulk and strength. Shows a solid base to anchor against the blitz. Has limited experience and looks uncomfortable when pass blocking. Grade: 6.4.
Hands/routes: Was used sparingly as a receiver the past two years. Hands are adequate. Can catch consistently when facing the quarterback. Routes are inconsistent; has poor feel for reading coverage. Isn't explosive. Grade: 5.9.
Durability: A neck injury cost him three games in 2003. Split carries the past two seasons and hasn't been overworked. Grade: 6.9.
Bottom line: Shelton transferred to Louisville in 2002 from Florida State and sat out one season. He must improve as a receiver and pass blocker, and he has minor durability concerns. Shelton has great size, good speed and is athletic. We hear the Cowboys love this guy and want to put him on the roster as a role player with Julian Jones. Bill Parcells is always looking for a big back to control the clock when he has a lead. Shelton has plenty of potential and looks like a third-round selection.
Dan Pompei analysis
Powerful; is mostly an inside runner. Is impressive after contact. Tested out well at the Combine, but might be a better athlete than football player. Could be a fullback. Needs work as a blocker. Has marginal receiving skills. Transferred from Florida State. Came out after junior season.