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Elijah Shumate, DB, Notre Dame: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By George Stockburger

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Elijah Shumate (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Elijah Shumate (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Special teams is something that is far too often over looked in the NFL. Great special teams play can win you critical games and become a deciding point in an NFL season.

When you look at the NFL Draft, the need for depth secondary players who can provide production on special teams is a hot commodity. The more versatile you are, the higher your value.

Notre Dame safety Elijah Shumate may not have the refined skills to be an every down safety, but some of his high-level skills sets could force coaches to make tough decisions when roster cuts arrive in August.

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    • Measurables

    Height: 6′

    Weight: 216 lbs

    Hand Width: 9 3/4”

    Arm Length: 31 1/8″

    Combine Results

    40 Yard Dash: 4.58

    Bench Press: 18 reps

    Vertical: 33″

    Broad Jump: 119″

    20 Yard Shuttle: 4.51 seconds

    Strengths

    Elijah Shumate can be a punishing strong safety who plays in the box and provide help in pass rushing and run support. He has very good straight line speed and can be a valuable tool when it comes to disrupting quarterbacks.

    He is also not afraid of contact. He’s always near the ball and is willing to do whatever needs to be done on the field.

    Weaknesses

    Shumate has very inconsistent angles and play recognition. He is often a step behind and can flat out miss tackles by trying to do too much.

    While he is known for making those highlight reel hits, he can fail to completely wrap up and let the ball carrier continue down the field.

    As a defensive back, he is still incredibly raw and should not be relied upon to cover NFL receivers. He plays too tight and doesn’t have the play recognition ability, ball skills, or technique to keep up with receivers.

    Final Verdict

    Elijah Shumate would probably go undrafted if not for his straight line speed and ability to rush the passer. While he still projects to be a seventh round pick, his ability to play as a gunner on special teams could help him crack an NFL roster his rookie season.

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