The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Posted August 2008:

Shaughnessy has excellent length, but lacks ideal bulk for a down lineman, which is why some see him transitioning to rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the next level. However, it is unclear if he can adjust to playing with his hand off the ground, which is not something he has been asked to do at Wisconsin. He uses his hands well and effort is never an issue with this Badger. Shaughnessy garnered attention from scouts with a stellar junior campaign in which he tallied 18 tackles for a loss. He has a good understanding of how to shield off oncoming blockers and make the tackle, as well as possessing a good nose for the football (led all Wisconsin linemen with 60 tackles in '07). Shaughnessy underwent successful surgery on April 18th, 2008 to repair a broken fibula in his right leg. He also suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Wisconsin's 2005 regular-season finale, making his durability something NFL teams will look long and hard at. It’s also another reason to move him off the line of scrimmage. The Connecticut native has excelled against top competition, including an impressive showing in the 2008 Outback Bowl (5 tackles and 2 tackles for loss) against the Tennessee Volunteers of the SEC.