Danny Shelton building block

Is Danny Shelton a Cleveland Browns building block? Check out the poll in the post below and let us know what you think.

(cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before the Browns can build the foundation of a winning franchise, they must identify which players will be part of that foundation. Who are the building blocks?

Cleveland.com is trying to figure that out, and we'd like your help. This series will take a look at veterans and rookies alike to see if they will be Cleveland Browns building blocks. Your feedback will help us determine who is in and who is out.

TODAY: Danny Shelton

Pro

If you weren't impressed with the Browns' 2016 draft picks, just remember Shelton. Many fans thought the No. 12 pick of the 2015 draft was a bust after his rookie season ended with 36 tackles and no sacks.

But Shelton showed up at training camp last season 30 pounds lighter and focused on improving. And he did. Browns and opposing coaches and players raved about his play. He was the Browns' best interior defender, and Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 8 in the NFL vs. the run (No. 18 overall).

If Shelton continues on this trajectory, a Pro Bowl could be in his near future. Shelton's best game of 2016 came in Week 6 against the Titans, when he had five tackles and his first career sack.

Con

Honestly, there's not a lot to complain about with Shelton. It's clear there are some fans still hung up on the fact that the No. 12 overall pick hasn't become more dominant in his first two seasons. Or collected a lot of sacks. Despite his jump in performance last season, he had just 1.5 sacks.

Also, even with Shelton's improvement, the defense still ranked 31st overall and 31st against the run in yardage allowed per game.

It's unclear what the hiring of Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator means for Shelton. Williams will bring his 4-3 defense. Shelton has played mostly in a 3-4 the last two seasons.

Vote on whether Shelton is a building block. It requires a 67 percent yes vote to make the cut. And only two players have so far.

Accepted building blocks:

Rejected building blocks: