Shaun Shivers 2023 NFL Draft Profile
It’s a deep, deep running back class heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. However, I may play the role poo-pooing on a potential back’s draft stock in this one. I’m not a Shaun Shivers guy. Never have been. Don’t plan on reverting course. Let’s take a look at why in this edition of the 2023 NFL Draft Profile series.
Shaun Shivers was not invited to the Scouting Combine so we won’t get an official 40 time here. I’d like to think my eyeballs work pretty well. Shivers looks like a 4.5 guy to me. Yes, he’s undersized and can run but I wouldn’t say this is burner speed either.
No Senior or Shrine Bowl invite for Shivers either. He spent time at the NFLPA game returning some kicks if that means anything. For those interested in Shivers, the return ability is something that may be intriguing. I’m just not sure it’s enough to get him drafted.
Shivers is really undersized checking in at 5-foot-7, 186 pounds. As a between the tackles runner, I have a hard time believing Shivers is NFL caliber. As a grad transfer at Indiana this past year, Shivers rushed for 592 yards and six touchdowns. His 143 attempts were by far a career high. The only issue is that Shivers rushed for 4.1 yards per carry (not really good enough for college). A mark that was well below back up Josh Henderson and freshman Jaylin Lucas.
The former Auburn product can catch so that part is good news. We’re talking about back to back seasons with 22 receptions. Shivers can absolutely play a role as a pass catching running back. If he’s going to make it at the NFL level, that will probably be his calling card.
I have an undrafted grade on Shaun Shivers. Your best case scenario here is that he’s the next Boston Scott. I think Scott is way more slippery than Shivers so I wouldn’t count your chickens on that comp coming to fruition. I think there’s a reason why Shivers was pushed out of Auburn and it has everything to do with a lack of talent. It’s rare these gadget guys ever work and Shivers likely won’t be any different.
