Tyler Shelvin committed to LSU all the way back in March 2015. A four-star prospect in the 2017 recruiting class, Shelvin played his high school football at Notre Dame in Lafayette, Louisiana.
During his time in Baton Rouge, Shelvin battled weight issues. The talented 6-foot-2 defensive tackle enrolled at LSU in 2017, weighing around 390 pounds.
Shelvin would redshirt in 2017 and appear in six games in 2018; however, he missed time that season due to a suspension.
The talented Shelvin put it all together in 2019, becoming arguably the most disruptive player on LSU’s defensive line in the Tigers’ run to the national championship.
When Shelvin returned to LSU for the 2020 season, most assumed it would be his final season before declaring for the 2021 NFL draft with one year of eligibility remaining.
Before the 2020 season began, Shelvin opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and began training for the NFL draft.
Shelvin spoke on his decision at LSU’s pro day this week.
“Yeah, I mean, the process wasn’t easy,” Shelvin said. ”
It was a long time. So, when I opted out, I opted out because of COVID really and taking health precautions. A few of my family members ended up catching COVID, so, my grandma she plays a huge part in my family and to me, so she’s safe and healthy now.
The pro day was a big one for Shelvin. NFL teams wanted to see what Shelvin weighed after missing a season of football.
He did not disappoint, weighing in at 350 pounds, similar to his 2019 playing weight where he had his best year.
Big defensive lineman Tyler Shelvin weighed in at 350 pounds Wednesday during @LSUfootball Pro Day and appeared to move pretty well. #LSU pic.twitter.com/UU093vsbXN
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) April 1, 2021
Shelvin was known for his ability as a run-stopper at LSU. While that is still a valuable skill at the NFL level, most teams are looking for more versatile linemen. NFL teams prefer defensive tackles who can collapse the pocket from the inside.
Shelvin said in his discussions with NFL teams; he is often asked about his ability as a pass-rusher.
“There are two main questions from almost every team that I usually get and ready to answer,” Shelvin said. “One obviously is about my weight, and two, if I’m a good pass rusher.”
During his training, Shelvin has worked hard to improve as a pass-rusher.
A few things that I worked on with my pass rush, learning how to get off my steps,” he said. “Reading the center guard tackle how they set, because most of the interviews that I did with some coaches they took me through a progression of how they pass rush, so I had to adapt to how they coach it.”
Shelvin will be one of the better defensive tackles in the 2021 NFL draft. His performance in 2019 gave NFL teams a glimpse into his ability. Shelvin’s weigh-in at LSU’s pro day was important as it showed teams he has worked hard during his time away.
The 2021 NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 29, and Shelvin is largely viewed as a potential third-round selection.
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