Former Penn State left tackle Drew Shelton has been selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys made Shelton the 112th overall player and third Penn State player selected, joining fellow OL Vega Ioane (14th overall, Baltimore Ravens) and QB Drew Allar (76th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers).
Shelton played at Penn State from 2022-25 and was a key contributor each year.
The in-state product from Downingtown became a starter late in his true freshman season when Olu Fashanu went down with a season-ending injury in late October. Shelton ended up starting 29 games over the next three seasons, not missing a start over the 2024-25 campaigns.
In the Athletic’s draft guide known as “the beast,” Dane Brugler described Shelton as a guy who is “at his best when he can showcase his athletic traits.”
“His quick feet to match speed off the edge, reach/pull range in the run game or twitchy body movements to get himself out of compromised positions,” Brugler wrote. “However, he struggles to stay attached at the point of attack and doesn’t have the power to move defenders against their will.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Brugler went onto say that Shelton was “an interesting developmental prospect, because of his impressive big-man athleticism.”
“He will struggle to win at the NFL level, though, unless he improves his functional strength and finishing toughness,” Brugler wrote. “He projects as an NFL swing tackle with starting potential.”
Shelton went before teammates such as Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zakee Wheatley, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton did.
Shelton’s college coach, James Franklin, tweeted his approval.
“You earned this opportunity through consistency and belief,” Franklin wrote. “Proud of you and excited to see you represent the @dallascowboys. #NFLDraft
