Shawn Nelson SELECTED BY: Bills Round 4 (21)

SI Grade 3.92 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past three seasons. Senior totals included 53/557/3 after 33/451/5 as a junior. Sophomore totals included 36/506/3.

POSITIVES: Tall, athletic tight end with the ability to consistently make plays in the secondary. Runs well for a big man, displays a burst of speed, and creates mismatches down the field. Possesses good eye/hand coordination, makes the tough catch in a crowd, and uses his frame to protect the pass. Easily adjusts to the errant throw and makes the catch in stride. Displays good quickness in his all-around game, bends his knees and works assignments as a blocker.

NEGATIVES: Occasionally lets the ball get inside him, and he will drop the easy pass on occasion. Shows just marginal strength as a blocker.

ANALYSIS: Nelson is a terrific athlete at the tight end position and a prospect who consistently makes big plays down the field. He offers a great amount of upside potential, and he could turn into one of the more complete tight ends to come from this draft once he improves his blocking.

PROJECTION: Second Round