Rams add center to 53 man roster

COLEMAN SHELTON
6′ 5″ 292 lbs

Player Bio
Washington coaches moved Shelton around regularly throughout his first three seasons on the field, playing him at every position on the front line. They found a home at center for the tall, athletic lineman, where he could use his foot quickness, nasty attitude, and intelligence to control each play. He was rated as a top 20 center prospect nationally coming out of Pasadena in 2013, but first got a chance to start at right tackle for seven games as a redshirt freshman. Shelton started all 13 games the next season, the first two at left tackle, the next two at left guard, and the final eight games at right guard. He was named the team’s Lineman of the Year for his effort and versatility. Pac-12 coaches thought enough of his play in the pivot over 14 games in 2016 to name him second-team all-conference

Analysis
By Lance Zierlein

Overview

Shelton fits the average height/weight profile for the position, but his lack of desired play strength and overall anchor is a concern. Shelton’s technique is solid and his initial quickness is good enough, but he needs to do a better job of gaining and maintaining positioning if he wants to find a way to cover up for his lack of necessary power and land NFL playing time.

Strengths

Three-year starter with some starting experience at tackle, guard and center
Adequate athlete
Has enough initial quickness to compete for positioning on scoop blocks
Takes choppy, controlled steps up to second level target
Maintains width of his base as run and pass blocker
Plays with good strength in his hands
Has smooth pass sets to his target and can mirror effectively
Shoots his hands with short, efficient punch and does a good job of maintaining proper back and head posture throughout the rep
Technique is generally solid

Weaknesses

Lack of desired play strength is evident too often on tape
Has below average upper body strength and struggles to keep blocks centered
Can be jostled by power allowing defenders to escape block security and squeeze rushing lanes
Doesn’t have desired acceleration to stay out front of running back on long pulls
Unlikely to be one-on-one block winner at NFL level
Legs won’t generate much push as a down or drive blocker
Despite solid technique, simply doesn’t have enough anchor to keep bull rushers from walking him back into the pocket

Rams place Justin Lawler on IR, sign C Coleman Shelton to active roster

Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams opted not to put Justin Lawler on injured reserve when final cuts were made, and for good reason. They did place him on IR Monday, but because he made the 53-man roster at first, he’s eligible to return after eight weeks.

Had he been put on the injured reserve list Saturday, he would’ve been ruled out for the season – the same way Micah Kiser is.

To take Lawler’s place on the 53-man roster, the Rams signed former Cardinals center Coleman Shelton.

Shelton spent the preseason with Arizona, playing three of their four exhibition games. He started the preseason finale and played 43 snaps (80 percent) at center.

He played his college football at Washington, starting 47 games in four seasons. He played multiple positions, beginning at right tackle in 2014 before moving to left tackle and guard the following season. In 2016, he found a home at center and started 27 games there in his final two seasons.

Shelton was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2017 and second-team All-Pac-12 in 2016, so he did enter the NFL with some college accolades to his name. He went undrafted in 2018 and first landed with the 49ers as a free agent.

With Shelton joining the 53-man roster, the Rams now have nine offensive linemen available. Shelton is likely to be the primary backup at center behind Brian Allen with Aaron Neary out indefinitely.

collected by CanuckRightWinger

The 2018 Draftnik Publications said

Tons of experience against high level competition as a UW Husky
Best feature: agile movement, screen pass excellence, getting to second level
Needs Improvement: Overall Strength is a concern as is Point-Of-Attack lack of power

Per Lance Zierlien:
Smart technician with nasty attitude…..BUT, Despite good technique, lacks anchor.

Per Matt Miller: At 31.5 inches, Shelton short arms don’t help his power game either. Plays with chip-on-shoulder.

Per Mel Kiper: Shelton is 7th best OC in 2018 Draft. 5.24 sec in 40yd time.

Per Walter’s Football: Shelton was very versatile at UW, playing both OG spots and LT as well. He needs to put on weight and build upper body strength for NFL however.

UFDA to SF, then Tennessee, then Arizona…..now Los Ramos

Hopefully Mr. Shelton spent a lot of time in the weight room these past 18 months eh!!

ONE LAST THING: per OurLads: Shelton is a rare Left-Handed Snapper which will give some NFL OCs pause. Shelton is very accurate with his shotgun snaps