Shell takes control of his destiny
KELVIN Beachum knew Brandon Shell was getting serious about his NFL career when he learned the offensive tackle had traveled to Dallas to train and spend time with fellow Jets guard Frank Winters and later visited with veteran Jaguars offensive tackle Jermey Parnell.
“I was really excited about some of the things he did this offseason, going and getting around some other players,” Beachum said Friday at the Jets training facility in Florham Park. “I’m excited by the fact that he went out of his comfort zone and went to learn from people who have been around the league longer than he has. I’m excited he’s taken it upon himself to invest in himself. That’s what it’s all about to play the game for a long time.”
In his third season, Shell has the opportunity to establish himself as a reliable run blocker and pass protector for Sam Darnold’s right side. At 6-foot-5, 324 pounds, he has the size and famous last name to be a success — Art Shell, the legendary Raiders offensive tackle, coach and Hall of Famer, is Brandon’s great uncle.
A fifth-round draft pick out of South Carolina in 2016, Brandon Shell has made 15 career starts. But his breakout season should begin with Monday Night’s season opener at Detroit.
“It’s time to play,” Shell said. “We’re ready.”
Shell said he got out of his comfort zone this offseason to improve as a player. Footwork, technique and a strong mental approach are needed to play offensive line in the NFL. Seeking the advice of experienced players helped Shell begin training camp with a more focused approach.
“I’m just trying to get better every day,” he said Friday. “I learned to focus on accomplishing the small things and to keep working and trying to get better. You don’t just want to make it through practice. You want to get better.”
Shell has been a work in progress much like the entire Jets offensive line after the recent retirements of Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Shell played in eight games his rookie season, starting three. Last year, he started all 12 games he played in. Entering his third season, Shell needs to be more than a role player. He needs to become a mainstay. He needs to be a franchise right tackle to go with the franchise quarterback. Shell wants to be that for Darnold or whoever the Jets quarterback might be.
“Regardless of who is back there, you have to protect the quarterback,” Shell said. “It’s not a matter of doing something harder because he’s a rookie. You have to protect the quarterback on every passing down. That’s just a given for us.”
When not on the field, Shell is a slow mover, as if the day has 25 hours instead of 24. But on the field, he can be a quick blast of power and force.
“In this game, you have to have something different about yourself,” Beachum said. “You have to be able cut it on when you need to, and he’s proven he has the ability to do so and has done so.”
It’s in the genes. He doesn’t shy away from the Art Shell legacy, and uses it for motivation.
“It means a lot,” he said. “But at the end of day, you have to play for the name that’s on the front of the jersey as well as the name that’s on the back. I’m representing both the same way — with pride.”
The Lions of rookie head coach Matt Patricia boast a formidable defensive line headed by defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who had 12 sacks last year. The best way to keep Ansah from creating havoc and bothering Darnold is to establish some threat of a running game, something the Jets haven’t always done with consistency.
“You’ve got to establish the running game every time you play,” Shell said. “It helps to have balance.”
Beginning Monday night, it’s time for Brandon Shell to make his name known.