NFL talent evaluators held Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in high regard even before they got up-close looks at him at the Senior Bowl and the combine. So, when he put on an impressive display of ability during his on-field work and showed intelligence during interviews with teams, his stock only rose.
Whether in one-on-one or 11-on-11 drills during the Senior Bowl practices, the 6-foot-1, 300-pound Rankins gave offensive linemen fits. He befuddled guards and centers with a spin move that most men his size can’t pull off. He displayed an array of hand moves to set up power or speed tactics for getting through the line and into the backfield.