2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Penn State Offensive Tackle Drew Shelton

Drew Shelton arrived at Penn State as one of the most polished offensive line recruits in the 2022 class. He is a fluid, technically sound left tackle from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with the kind of athletic profile that made him an ideal fit for the Nittany Lions’ zone-heavy blocking schemes. A former top-100 national prospect, Shelton was known in high school for his movement skills, clean pass sets, and advanced hand usage. He chose Penn State over offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State, and quickly validated the coaching staff’s belief that he could be a foundational piece of their offensive front.

Shelton was thrust into action earlier than expected as an underclassman due to injuries along the line, and instead of merely surviving, he impressed. His poise, footwork, and ability to diagnose pressure stood out in Big Ten play, earning him meaningful snaps at both tackle spots. By 2023 and 2024, he had emerged as one of the most reliable linemen on the roster, rotating between left and right tackle as needed. Throughout that period, his technique sharpened, his body matured, and he evolved from a promising young talent into an NFL-caliber blindside protector.

With prototypical length, high-level athleticism, and proven versatility, Shelton enters the 2025 season as one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Strengths

Athletic Footwork

Shelton moves with the smoothness of a tight end. His lateral quickness and recovery balance make him a natural fit in zone run schemes and allow him to mirror edge rushers with ease. He rarely over-strides, keeping himself in position to handle counters and inside moves.

Pass-Protection Technique

His hand placement is consistent and controlled, and he shows strong independent hand usage—shooting one hand to disrupt rushers before anchoring with the other. Shelton’s pass sets are clean, measured, and technically advanced for his age.

Positional Versatility

Having logged significant snaps at both left and right tackle, Shelton can slot into either position at the next level. His comfortability flipping sides will be a major asset for teams lacking depth or looking for a swing tackle early in his career.

Football IQ and Poise

Shelton plays with the calm, collected demeanor of a veteran. He identifies stunts well, passes off games smoothly, and rarely panics under pressure. His experience in Penn State’s multiple blocking schemes gives him a strong schematic foundation.

Mobility in Space

Whether climbing to linebackers or leading outside runs, Shelton excels when playing on the move. His ability to redirect in space and sustain blocks at the second level makes him a weapon in outside-zone concepts.

Weaknesses

Functional Strength

While technically sound, Shelton is still building the lower-body power needed to consistently sit down and anchor against elite bull rushers. NFL weight-room development will help him reach his ceiling.

Finishing Power

He positions himself well but doesn’t always deliver the overwhelming torque or drive seen from top maulers in the class. More nastiness and physical finishing would elevate his run-blocking profile.

Pad Level Consistency

At times, Shelton plays a bit upright out of his stance, particularly in short-yardage situations. Bending more consistently will help him generate power and leverage.

Conclusion

Drew Shelton is a polished, athletic, and highly dependable offensive tackle who projects as a future NFL starter with swing-tackle versatility from Day 1. His fluid footwork, technical refinement, and experience on both sides of the line make him one of the most well-rounded linemen in the 2026 draft class. While he must continue to build strength and sharpen his finishing ability, the foundation is already strong.

Draft Nation projects Shelton as a Day 2 prospect with the potential to rise into the higher end of Round 2 with his work in the post season and at the NFL Combine.