• NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Shane Gaines, DB, Salisbury by Matt Anzio
• Player:  Shane Gaines  
• Position:  DB/ Safety
• School:  Salisbury
• Height:  5’7
• Weight:  187 lbs
• Draft Class:  2019
• Projected Forty:  4.48
• Projected Round:  UDFA
• Hometown: Baltimore, MD
• Jersey Number: 1

Stats & Awards

• Career 190 tackles, 4 TFL, 8 INT & 27 PBU
• 2018:  39 tackles, 1 TFL ,3 INT & 6 PBU
• 2018  Preseason FAF All American ( Coaches & Media)
• 2018: Accepted invite to D1 FCS Scout Bowl
• 2018 : Invited to the Podyum All Star Game Miami
• 2 tackles & 3 PBU vs Rowan
• 3 tackles 2 PBY vs Wesley

• 2017: 47 tackles, 2 INT & 7 PBU
• 7 tackles & 3 PBU vs Albright
• 12 tackles, 2 PBU vs Frostburg

• 2016 47 tackles, 1 TFL, 2  INT & 6 PBU

• 2015: 62 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT’s & 6 PBU
• NJAC/ECAC Rookie of the Year
• NJAC Rookie of the Week 10/11, 10/25, 11/1, 11/22   

Diamond Report

Overview:

Undersized Underdog has Something That Can’t Be Measured.

Straight up bonafide Heart & hardcore determination. Gaines doesn’t believe in the word “Can’t”.

Been told his whole life your too short, too small, try another position you’re a small school guy you don’t have a shot to be a pro. Sure he heard it all some from people meaning well & some from people gunning for his downfall. That’s just how life is if you don’t fit the prototype 6’2 200 lbs you can’t cover these big targets in the NFL. Tell you this I would rather have a smaller DB diving, clawing, fighting giving everything he has then a 6’4 CB that depends only on their God given attributes. Anything is possible when you put your all into something that epitomizes Gaines style of play with the amount of effort he shows every down.

In Pass Coverage:  Outstanding at keeping plays/players no matter the size in front of him attacking never allowing them to get behind him with his great zone off coverage technique.  Gaines plays the ball very well he has excellent awareness timing in his coverage skills. Recognizes high low combos understands routes & offensive formations. Can cut pass off just by reading the eyes of a QB with furious hand battling? Physical type DB keeps fighting for the ball until the play is dead. Does a nice job getting his head around on long plays does not panic easily. Outstanding closing speed in the open field does a good job reading & reacting. Versatile player has played both inside & out CB positions as well as both safety positions. These days teams like to have at least 1 or 2 smaller quick  wideouts in the slot or even on the outside. For every action there is a reaction. DB is becoming a more speciality type position in the NFL & we are seeing DBs of all sizes & abilities to counter the trend at WR. We also are seeing RB’s be moved to the outside or slot position many times it is the smaller quick scat type backs. The need for guys that can cover them in tight spaces becomes even greater. Gaines fits that mold well think he can be an asset covering some of these targets the bigger DB’s struggle against. Gaines  is a pass defecting monster he just has a knack for disrupting pass plays. Love his energy has no quit attitude & his aggressive hand work. Rapid change of direction & footwork. Keeps a good pad level uses leverage at the right time can close on a pass catcher instantaneously . Can look a little tight in his hips lack of size to cover on the outside in the NFL. Slot/ Safety & ST could be his ticket to a Pro camp.

Against The Run:  Very tough tackler for a smaller frame DB shows the velocity needed to be a playmaker against the run or on designed blitzes.  Watched him blitz from the safety position a couple times nice acceleration thru holes uses that speed to get in the QB’s line of fire.  Good bounce in his feet instincts & ability is there for him to be optimal in run defense. Just need to see more of Gaines against the run but tackling has never been the issue.  Powerful legs with strong upper body muscular for his size with a low center of gravity. Area of his game that he just needs more time doing. He told me that is an area he is focused on run  press zone schemes as he prepares for any opportunity to continue his career. Gaines has all the tools to be a excellent tackler in the run game.

Summary:  If your still reading either your bored or you believe it is possible for these smaller DB’s to have success at a Pro level. We have seen smaller safeties corners do well on ST for years. With very little making a huge difference on D. Now that slot has become such a specialized portion of speed guys of all shapes sizes lining up to create mismatches.  There is a place for players like Gaines who shows the ability to challenge big targets as well as many guys 4 inches taller. You have to play with a chip on your shoulder when ppl don’t believe you can succeed just cause you’re not 6 foot. He will win with speed, technique versatility short area burst intelligence & giving everything he has every down every day.  Stand out from the beginning of his College career as the NJAC & ECAC Rookie of the Year 2015. First team all Conference in the present day he continues to master his craft. Working hard in the gym & watching tape. Think whatever team gives him a chance will get a versatile tough coachable player with good work ethic & a huge heart.