Football's Future
Mock Drafts
Top 50 Prospects
NFL Draft Forum

Eric Shelton RB Louisville 6’2 246
By: Robert Davis

Eric Shelton started his college career at Florida St. but transferred to Louisville after his true freshman season. At Louisville he was a part of one of the most explosive offenses in the country, and shared the backfield with two other talented players in fellow prospect Lionel Gates and Michael Bush, who is still in school. Despite not getting the opportunity to carry the load, Shelton had two impressive seasons on the field for the Cardinals. As a sophomore in 2003, he ran for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning all conference honors for the season. He upped his numbers as a junior, rushing for 938 yards and an unbelievable 20 touchdowns, while averaging over 6 yards per carry.

Very few backs bring the size and power Shelton do to the backfield. He is huge and is a load to bring down. He will lower his shoulder and try to run through you to finish his runs. Give him the ball inside the five-yard line, and just watch him put up six on the board. He shows surprising speed for a player that weighs almost 250lbs. and is a threat to break off the big run once in the open field.

Shelton is a work in progress in the backfield. Sharing it with two other players meant he hasn’t gotten the chance to show he can be the man and carry the rushing attack. It also leaves him short on development in key areas such as receiving and blitz pickup.

If you’re looking for a power back in the draft, this is your guy. He will likely need some time to further develop his skills at the next level, but he can run the ball right now at the next level. He has a lot of upside at the next level and a team that wants to control the clock will fall in love with this kid. He could hear his name called anywhere from the top of the second to the end of day one. A lot of teams will go for the pure speed at the position first, but Shelton is going to be a very solid player at the next level.

Submit your comments on our NFL draft forums.