Drew Shelton enters the draft process as one of the most intriguing developmental offensive tackles in the class -- perfect for a Jacksonville Jaguars squad that seasons its O-linemen in the trenches.

Jacksonville is set to make its first selection in the 2026 NFL draft in the second round (pick No. 56). The team owns 11 total picks this year, including four in the top 100.

Jaguars Roundtable will take a closer look at a range of prospects in the Class of 2026 that could jell with Jacksonville's current roster, coaching staff, and the team's X's and O's strategies. Other entries in the series include profiles of linebackers Kendal Daniels out of Oklahoma and the Oregon Ducks' Bryce Boettcher; cornerback D'Angelo Ponds out of national-champion Indiana as well as Cincinnati nose tackle Dontay Corleone. 

Among offensive linemen, we've featured Oregon tackle Isaiah World.

In this profile, we zoom in on Penn State's Drew Shelton.

A native of small-town Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he played school-boy football with former Ohio State champion quarterback Will Howard, Shelton is a player whose blend of athleticism, intelligence, and positional versatility has NFL evaluators circling his name as a high‑upside long‑term investment.

At 6-foot-5 and roughly 305 pounds, Shelton brings the frame and movement skills of a modern blindside protector, even if he’s still refining the power and consistency needed to anchor an NFL offensive line.

A former four‑star recruit, Shelton arrived at Penn State with expectations of eventually becoming the next standout in a program known for producing technically sound, physically gifted linemen. What set him apart early wasn’t just his athletic profile, but his adaptability.

Injuries along the Nittany Lions’ line thrust him into action sooner than expected, and he responded with poise well beyond his experience level. That early exposure accelerated his development and showcased his natural feel for the position.

In pass protection, Shelton’s athleticism immediately jumps off the tape. His footwork is smooth and efficient, allowing him to mirror edge rushers and stay square through the rep. He handles speed with ease, rarely looking stressed when defending the arc.

His recovery ability is one of his strongest traits -- even when beaten initially, he has the quickness and balance to reset and stay connected. His hand usage is still evolving, but the foundation is promising, he strikes with placement, not panic, and shows the patience to avoid oversetting.

Where Shelton’s game still needs refinement is in the power department. He’s not weak by any means, but he’s more of a positional blocker than a people‑mover at this stage. Against long‑armed power rushers or heavy-handed defensive ends, he can get compressed into the pocket if his anchor isn’t set early. Adding functional strength and improving his core stability will be key to unlocking his full potential as a pass protector.

As a run blocker, Shelton’s athleticism again becomes a weapon. He climbs to the second level with ease, takes smart angles, and shows the agility to operate in zone schemes. He’s at his best when asked to reach, pull, or work in space, where his movement skills allow him to create leverage advantages. While he isn’t a mauler, he plays with enough tenacity to sustain blocks and finish when he has the leverage advantage. With added strength, he could become a far more complete run blocker.

One of Shelton’s most appealing traits is his football IQ. Coaches rave about his preparation, his ability to absorb coaching, and his understanding of defensive structures. He’s already played both tackle spots, and that versatility will be attractive to NFL teams looking for a swing tackle with starter upside.

Drew Shelton is not a finished product -- but that’s exactly why he’s so compelling. His athletic profile, technical foundation, and mental makeup give him a trajectory that points toward long-term starting potential.

With NFL strength development and continued refinement, he has the tools to become a reliable, high-level tackle in a league always searching for them.

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