Sheldon Rankins

Summary

Sheldon Rankins was selected in the 1st Round (#12 Overall) in the 2016 Draft out of University of Louisville. Rankins is a strong, bursty interior defensive lineman with the physical tools, versatility, and motor to make meaningful impact in both run defense and pass rush. His limitations are more around ideal size for all roles and the refinement of his pass‑rush toolkit and consistency, especially against heavier blockers and double teams. Overall: a well‑rounded veteran defender whose best years still offer real value.

Strengths

  • Explosive first step and interior burst: He often flashes a quick get‑off and ability to penetrate gaps, slashing into the backfield.

  • Strong hands and upper‑body strength: He uses his hands well to shed blockers and execute bull‑rushes off the snap.

  • Versatility up front: Able to line up in multiple interior techniques (one‑tech, three‑tech) and play in various fronts; this gives him value in different defensive schemes.

  • Run‑defender and gap maintainer: He shows ability to hold his ground, maintain gap integrity, and defend the run with firmness.

  • Motor and persistence: He has been praised for his effort, competitive nature, and willingness to fight through blocks and pursue through angles. SI

Weaknesses

  • Below‑prototypical size for some interior roles: At ~6′2″ and ~300 lbs (early), some evaluators considered him undersized for certain “heavy” interior roles (e.g., nose tackle) especially against double teams. theScore.com

  • Consistency in pass‑rush repertoire: While he has good burst and strength, he has been critiqued for lacking a full arsenal of pass‑rush moves and not always having a plan when first move fails.

  • Snap‑leverage / pad‑level lapses: At times he can get more upright than ideal, which allows blockers to gain leverage and neutralize his initial impact.

  • Shedding blocks in heavy double‑team situations: Against schemes where he’s regularly double‑teamed, he has had challenges consistently winning when faced with stronger, heavier blockers. NFL Mocks

Fit & Outlook

Rankins projects as a valuable veteran interior defensive lineman whose best fit is as a penetrator, gap‑attacker and disruptor in a front that allows him to use his burst and strength. In schemes that ask him to anchor as a pure nose under constant double‑teams, he may be less effective than in roles where he can play three‑technique or rotate. If he maintains health and technique, he can continue to be a high‑impact interior presence who draws attention, frees up teammates, and generates disruption. As he progresses (and given his veteran status), his value also is in leadership, coaching younger linemates, and situational high‑leverage snaps.