Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton beating unrealistic expectations

In order to fairly evaluate anyone’s performance on the field, one must take into account their assignment and technique versus how well they performed said assignment and if they used the proper technique. It is this quandary that makes using analytics in football difficult because one never truly knows the players’ assignment. But that is a story for another time.

What are realistic expectations for Danny Shelton?

So far, Danny Shelton’s role in Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense has been to take up two blockers and help stop the inside run. On pass plays he has been asked to take up two blockers to free the outside rush and help collapse the pocket.

All these assignments require specific techniques. Unfortunately, Shelton is only now learning these techniques. Up until now he has relied on his freak natural ability. Last season he was thrown into the fire unprepared to make plays. And he has taken a beating in the media for it.

From the first to second preseason game this year Shelton has made good progress.

First against Green Bay, Shelton lacked assignment discipline. He often tried “make plays” by doing more than his assignment. Against Atlanta, Shelton was more assignment disciplined. He focused on his assignment and his responsibility within the scheme.

Second, against Green Bay, Shelton’s pad level was too high. This robbed him the leverage he needs to succeed in the NFL. Against Atlanta, Shelton improved this area of his game. Nonetheless, learning to use leverage is a high priority for Shelton.

Finally, Jason Pinkston must have stopped watching the game after the first drive. Alex Mack got the better of Shelton in the first drive of the game. However, in the succeeding drives, Shelton held his own commanding double teams. Atlanta’s running game worked only when running at the perimeter. That is a sign that Shelton was holding his own in the middle.

Next: Changing Expectations