Mini-Scouting Report: Sheldon Day
Overview: Sheldon Day is a determined defensive linemen who never gives up on a play. One of the most appealing aspects to Day’s game is his versatility to move around the defensive line in Notre Dame’s multi-morphing defensive fronts and still have consistent production. Another thing to love about Day is his patience and intelligence when attacking. NFL teams that transcend schemes such as the Ravens and Bears should be watching Day against big time matchups this season.
Sheldon Day/ DL/ Notre Dame
6’2″/ 285lbs/ SR/ #91
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Strengths:
• Natural Strength, he can attack, rush, and disengage from blockers with ease.
Day has the natural strength most defensive linemen possess, however he knows how to USE it, he can muscle his way to the quaterback or throw off blockers and make a play for the ball carrier.
• A smart defender, he’s not a one trick pony, reads the pay and follows the ball well
This Golden Domer isn’t stuck in the “pin your ears back and rush” mental state some defensive linemen are, at the snap he can diagnose the play and adjust his technique accordingly.
• Excellent hand placement and use
Day has a knack for getting rid of blockers at will, he knows exactly what to do what to do with his hands whether he’s bull rushing, ripping, or swimming.
Weaknesses:
• Injuries may be a concern for NFL teams provided how 2015 plays out
Day has the ability to take over a game… However, his injury plagued 2014 season may make teams proceed with caution as they review his game tape in 2015 and they move closer into the pre-draft process.
• Gets washed out with double teams
Day is a talented enough defensive linemen to demand double teams and chip blocks, however… he has yet to “master” defending them. It’s a difficult maneuver, but Day will need to prove he can remove himself from multiple blockers to solidify his position as a first rounder
Take a look at Day against Texas from earlier this season courtesy of our friends at DraftBreakdown.com.
Prospect Grade: A
Draft Projection: 1st