Danny Shelton Emerging As Surprise Starter In Patriots Changing Defense

Danny Shelton was expected to try really for a roster spot when he came back to New England through a one-year deal. Well, it looks like Shelton is a favorite to start as the team switches up the defense.

Mike Pennel was the prospective starting nose tackle as the Patriots go back to their roots with a three-man front. The regular season will start in two weeks, and Pennel keeps running behind Shelton in the starting defense.

This came like a surprise. Sheldon agreed to a one-year deal in May and he will get $1.03 million with $75.000 guaranteed. The Patriots signed Pennel on the first day of free agency in March, and he was given a two-year contract worth $2.5 million with $500,000 guaranteed.

Shelton joined the Patriots through a trade deal with the Cleveland Browns. He played 13 games with on start. He played two playoff contests. Now, Shelton says he can be himself again.

“That’s something that just knowing when they brought me back, the type of defense they were aiming for, that’s something that excited me,” Shelton said. “It gives me more of a feel of how I used to play.” 

He was dominant in the team’s first match against the Detroit Lions.

“Just getting some film out there,” Shelton said. “Really feel like I have more to do. I always feel like every week I have something to work on. I’m going to keep that mindset and keep improving every week.” 

Shelton is 6-foot-2, 234 pounds, but isn’t considered a prototypical run-stuffer. He was selected 12^th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Hopefully, the Pats will help him use his skills wisely.

“Shelton (undislcosed) suited up in 19 defensive snaps and made one tackle in Saturday’s preseason game against the Titans. Shelton had been dealing with an injury leading up to the game, but it seems to be just a minor nick. Now that the former first-round pick is back healthy, he can resume his battle for a depth role on the interior of the defensive line with Adam Butler and David Parry.”

Game on, Shelton!