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Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Erik Lambert

Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) chases Syracuse Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt (10) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) chases Syracuse Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt (10) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) chases Syracuse Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt (10) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) chases Syracuse Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt (10) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Big defensive linemen who know how to get the quarterback on the ground are more sought after than ever. Will that be enough to get Sheldon Rankins to go in the top 32? Here is what his 2016 NFL draft scouting report has to say.

Position: DL

School: Louisville

Year: Senior

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 303 lbs

History:

Three-star recruit out of Georgia. A two-time All-Star honoree before committing to Louisville. As a freshman he had a big hand in helping the Cardinals win the Sugar Bowl in 2012. Soon became a starter and kept elevating his game. Finished his final year having amassed 18 sacks and 31.5 tackles for a loss as well as two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Did not miss a single game his junior or senior years.

STRENGTHS:

  • Consistently quick off the ball, maintain good pad level so blockers can’t get under him.
  • Has strong lower body and a high motor, allowing him to deliver strong bull rushes or split double teams to penetrate the pocket.
  • Properly uses his hands to shed blocks and extends arms.
  • Keeps head up and eyes searching for the football, making sure know where it is. Sniffs out screens well.

This shows a little of everything Rankins does well. He comes off the snap quick, keeping his eyes squarely on the quarterback. When the blocker goes for him, he uses his hands to swipe the attempt away and doesn’t lose any momentum as he penetrates the gap and gets right into the backfield to force pressure. Though the quarterback escape and makes a big play out of it, Rankins did everything right.

  • Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the pass rush. Shows he can beat blockers with a variety of moves from swims to spins.

WEAKNESSES:

  • Bigger blockers find it easy to control him when he’s not able to beat them off the snap.
  • Lack of size also doesn’t help him against the run. Though strong, he isn’t the most effective at absorbing blocks.

Notice how long this run play takes to develop and it goes directly towards him. That should be more than enough time to shed the blocker and make the play. Instead the guard is able to latch on and the lack of length shows up as the runner goes right on by for a good gain. It’s one of those plays that shows how ineffective can be against bigger guards if asked to simply hold his ground.

  • While he doesn’t quit on plays, he has trouble regaining steam if the initial surge doesn’t get home.

Pro Comparison: Henry Melton

Though he’s shown capability to play in a variety of schemes, there is no doubt that his physical size and skill set make Rankins an ideal three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme. An interior pass rusher. In that way he reminds a lot of Henry Melton who spent four years in Chicago before moving to Dallas and now Tampa Bay. Though steady against the run, his strength is rushing the passer. It was enough to get him to the Pro Bowl in 2012 before an unfortunate torn ACL derailed his career.

Projection: 1st to 2nd rounds

There is no denying that Sheldon Rankins is a disruptor who will give offenses fits with his mix of quickness and power. However, not every team will be able to look past his slightly shorter size. His current momentum at the Senior Bowl suggest he’s certain to go in the 1st round, but it would surprise if he somehow slipped into the early 2nd.

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