Shelton clears way for others

Danny Shelton

POSITION » Nose tackle HEIGHT, WEIGHT » 6-foot-2, 335 BIRTHDATE » Aug. 20, 1993 YEARS PRO » Third season COLLEGE » Washington RANKING » 12th of 25

SHELTON’S BACKGROUND » A year after drafting cornerback Justin Gilbert eighth and quarterback Johnny Manziel 22nd in the first round in 2014 – two moves that proved disastrous and doomed his career as general manager – Ray Farmer made a safe move by drafting Shelton 12th overall in 2015.

A nose tackle is never flashy on the field, but flashy is a word that could describe Shelton off the field. He likes to dress in ways that reflect his Polynesian heritage. He studied anthropology at Washington to connect with his culture.

Shelton’s fully name is Danny Sailleupumoni Shelton. His middle name means “Search for the Truth.” Shelton wore 71 as a rookie, but last year changed his number to 55 (previously worn by former center Alex Mack) to honor the late Junior Seau, another Polynesian player, and Shelton’s brother Skeevia, who is also diseased.

Shelton is a dog lover. He has two huskies named Juicy and Mojo and a pit bull named Moni. He hopes to open a dog shelter someday. He is interested in learning to play the ukulele, an instrument that would be dwarfed by his

huge hands. WHY SHELTON IS RANKED

12TH » A nose tackle never piles up huge numbers, but when the player at that position plays well he occupies blockers so the linebackers can make the tackle. Browns inside linebacker Chris Kirksey appreciates Shelton doing the dirty work.

“Danny, man, he’s been dominating in there,” Kirksey said during the 2016 season. “When you turn on the film, you see him running around the field and dominating the line of scrimmage.”

2016 RECAP » Shelton made 59 tackles last season while starting all 16 games – 15 games at nose tackle and one at defensive tackle. The start at defensive tackle was against the San Diego Chargers. Coincidentally, that was the only game the Browns won last season, but Shelton had only one tackle – his lowest output of the season. According to StatPass, Shelton’s 59 tackles was second among NFL nose tackles last season. WHY SHELTON IS IMPORTANT IN 2017 » The Browns loaded up on the defensive line in the draft this year, starting with selecting end Myles Garrett with the first overall pick. Garrett was drafted because of the way he rushes the quarterback, but his effectiveness will be diminished if the Browns can’t stop the run.

PREDICTION FOR 2017 » Shelton went from 36 tackles as a rookie to 59 last season. It is unrealistic to expect a 23-tackle increase again, but he looked quicker than ever in minicamp, so look for Shelton to be a Pro Bowl candidate this year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Cleveland Browns nose tackle Danny Shelton lines up against the Cincinnati Bengals in December in Cleveland.