2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Shawn Preston, DB, Mississippi State

Shawn Preston Jr is a well-rounded DB with good ball skills from Mississippi State. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks him down as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Shawn Preston Jr, #7
School (Code)	Mississippi State University (MSST)
Class Yr	6^th Year Senior
Height, Weight	6000, 205 lbs.
40 Yd Dash	4.57e
Position/Depth	S/DB
Honors/Captainship	None
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	LSU, Alabama & Ole Miss
Scout Name / Date	Justyce Gordon, 11-28-23

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	17 solo tackles (27 total), 2 TFL, 1 Int, 2 PD’s & 1 FR in 13 games
2021	9 solo tackles (26 total), 1 Int & 1 PD in 11 games
2020	35 solo tackles (66 total), 3 TFL, & 4 PD’s in 10 games
2019	15 solo tackles (25 total) & 2 Int’s in 5 games

Player Summary:

Shawn Preston Jr is a 6^th year senior at the University of Mississippi State. Preston possesses an overall very good frame & athleticism/agility, he’s very fluid in space both in coverage and in run support. In coverage he displays very good match/mirror ability both in Man & Zone with good hip fluidity and very good balance/technique, solid route rec in Man and good ball skills to find & make plays on ball in coverage. He also possesses good speed and range in coverage when playing center field. Preston is ultra productive in run support as he shows very good pursuit to leverage runs well as well as very good click-close speed, good block shed to get off blocks and very good tackling ability in space & around LOS. Preston’s height & length is average which can create mismatches for him in coverage as he struggles vs bigger body WRs and TEs. He also tends to struggle playing with his back to ball downfield in coverage, timing and wingspan affect his ability to jar the ball loose with his back to play. Preston’s route rec in Zone is average as well, he doesn’t have great feel for passing off routes and anticipating and playing QB’s eyes.

Scheme Fit:

SS or Nickel in an attacking defensive scheme

Power Statement:

Shawn Preston’s 2023 season is over but his extended time in college has made him a very well-rounded football player, he’s a plus athlete that excels and can contribute both in coverage & in run support with his match/mirror ability in coverage and his leverage & tackling ability in run support. Preston’s set to be an older rookie at the next level will shorten his longevity, but he has the ability to serve as a quality backup with starter potential as he continues to develop.