Bengals might have stolen LSU DT Tyler Shelvin in fourth round

The Bengals selection of LSU defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday might be one of the steals this year. Shelvin had 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Bayou Bengals in their 2019 National Championship season. Shelvin opted out of the 2020 season.

Shelvin was once projected to be a first-round pick by some outlets, was as high as the 57th ranked play on the Consensus Mock Draft Database earlier this year. Cincinnati selected Shelvin with their second fourth-round pick, 146th overall. Shelvin is 6’3, 346 pounds and helped provide depth on the defensive interior.

Shelvin will provide Cincinnati with a run stuffer who is not going to frequently make plays as a pass rusher. After originally deciding to return for the 2020 season, Shelvin later opted out. At his size, Shelvin will give the Bengals a needed space-eater in the middle of the defensive line.

Cincinnati was 31st last season allowing 4.1 yards per rush. The Bengals were 27th in defensive stuff rate with only 13.1 percent of runs against them going for one or zero yards. A run stuffer like Shelvin was needed for the Cincinnati defense. After opting out last season, Shelvin has the questions others who opted out do.

Shelvin played only two years of college football. Unlike the two players the Bengals drafted before him, Shelvin is not a multi dimensional player. Cincinnati had to rebuild their defensive line. Joe Ossai and Cameron Sample offer more versatility and Shelvin is the hoss the Bengals need in the middle of the defensive line.

Shelvin will join the Bengals projected as a second-team DT behind D.J. Reader and Larry Ogunjobi who Cincinnati signed as a free agent during the offseason from Cleveland. After selecting offense in the first two rounds, Cincinnati has gotten value in the third and fourth rounds to rebuild the defensive line.