DeShon Elliott
S, Texas · 2018 NFL Draft, Round 6, pick #190 (BAL)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings, age. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #130 overall (#11 at his position), but he lasted until pick #190: teams let him slide 60 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Texas: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at 205 lbs: faster than 15% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
S (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 77 of ~133 possible regular-season games from 2018 through 2025 (~58%).
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 77 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 25 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.2 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 25.2 |
| Defense | 294 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2018 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2018 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 205 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.58 s |
| Bench press | 15 reps |
| Vertical | 36" |
| Broad jump | 121" |
| Arm / hand | 32.25" / 10.5" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #130 overall (#11 S) |
Picked around him 2018 redraft
| 187 | Ray-Ray McCloud | redraft #117 |
| 188 | Simeon Thomas | redraft #222 |
| 189 | Kamrin Moore | redraft #238 |
| 191 | Dylan Cantrell | redraft #245 |
| 192 | Jamil Demby | redraft #218 |
| 193 | Chris Covington | redraft #231 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.