Matt Shaughnessy DE 6'6 253 Wisconsin

Shaughnessy made an instant splash for the Badgers, earning Frosh All America honors in 2005 after posting 39 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the season. He was even better as a sophomore, this time earning All Big 10 2nd team honors while finishing the year with 35 tackles, eight for loss, and four sacks. Always improving, Shaughnessy again earned All Big 10 honors as a junior, this time tallying career highs of 60 tackles, 18 for loss, and five sacks.

Strengths

Shaughnessy has a classic defensive end frame. He is tall and lean, with the ability to pack on more weight in the NFL. He appears to be a solid athlete that can consistently wreak havoc in the backfield. He is also a disciplined end that holds his ground well to impact the running game. Shaughnessy has shown the ability to hold up at the point of attack and shed blocks to make the tackle. He should be a solid all around end in the NFL.

Weaknesses

Shaughnessy has done a good job making plays, but he may not have the ability to be a dominant playmaker in the NFL. He is not a freak athlete with great closing speed, and he will need to get bigger in the NFL. Shaughnessy has also had some injury issues the past two years with his junior season ending early because of a torn ACL and a broken leg hindering his preparation for this season.

Future

Shaughnessy has a lot of potential at the next level but he may never be a gamebreaker. He is a solid player that will play with a lot of energy and be a solid run stopper and pass rusher, but not a cornerstone of a line. Good workouts could allow him to be selected in the second round, but he shouldn't last long on day two if he falls there.