Shawne Merriman
LB, Maryland · 2005 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #12 (SDG)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 75 of ~128 possible regular-season games from 2005 through 2012 (~59%). Last NFL season: 2012.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #11 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#12).
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
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
Maryland: 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 4.64 40-yard dash at 272 lbs: faster than 57% 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.
- 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.
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 bust for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 75 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 40 |
| Defense | 196 tackles, 45.5 sacks, 1 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2012 |
The 2005 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2005 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 Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 272 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.64 s |
| Bench press | 25 reps |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #11 overall (#2 LB) |
Picked around him 2005 redraft
| 9 | Carlos Rogers | redraft #30 |
| 10 | Mike Williams | redraft #110 |
| 11 | DeMarcus Ware | redraft #3 |
| 13 | Jammal Brown | redraft #24 |
| 14 | Thomas Davis | redraft #8 |
| 15 | Derrick Johnson | redraft #7 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.