However, is a limited straight-line athlete who lacks ideal range when asked to cover ground in the secondary and doesn't have the type of speed to play sideline-to-sideline. Struggles to quickly get out of his breaks and close. Is a bit leggy in his lower half and lacks any kind of second gear to his game. Plays at one speed and looks more like a 4.65-plus guy on tape.
Isn't real physical as a tackler either. Will struggle to break down in a phone booth at times, doesn't see what he hits and will whiff in tight areas. Takes good angles in the secondary, using the sideline as an extra defender, but isn't a guy who can come downhill and wrap in space. Lacks ideal range laterally as a tackler, as well, and despite his long arms is frail into contact and can be easily slide stepped and/or overpowered when asked to break down.
Impression: A nice MAC safety, but doesn't have the range to hold up in an NFL secondary."
Positive: Aggressive, runs stuffing safety at his best playing downhill. Physical, fast up the field, and strong at the point of attack. Wraps up tackling and brings ball carriers down on initial contact. Plays heads-up football, effectively diagnoses the action, and displays good route recognition. Holds his ground against blocks and attacks ball carriers.
Negative: Lacks top sideline-to-sideline range, consistently a half step late arriving on the scene and displays poor ball skills. Lacks quick change-of-direction skills.
Analysis: Shannon is stout run defender who has been very productive on the college level. He plays bigger and faster than his size/speed numbers yet will have to play in a system that uses him as a conventional strong safety or as a dime back in a zone system. Has a special teams mentality that will give him a chance at the next level."