Shaquille Leonard
LB, South Carolina St. · 2018 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #36 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position. Details below.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #67 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#36). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
South Carolina St.: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.70 40-yard dash at 234 lbs: faster than 34% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 75 of ~99 possible regular-season games from 2018 through 2023 (~76%). Last NFL season: 2023.
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 | 75 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| First-team All-Pro | 3 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 60 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 60.0 |
| Defense | 397 tackles, 16 sacks, 12 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2023 |
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
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 234 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.70 s |
| Bench press | 17 reps |
| Arm / hand | 34.38" / 10.25" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #67 overall (#6 LB) |
Picked around him 2018 redraft
| 33 | Austin Corbett | redraft #69 |
| 34 | Will Hernandez | redraft #46 |
| 35 | Nick Chubb | redraft #22 |
| 37 | Braden Smith | redraft #26 |
| 38 | Ronald Jones II | redraft #100 |
| 39 | James Daniels | redraft #70 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.