Gamecocks’ Brandon Shell drafted by NY Jets

Brandon Shell has an NFL home in New York.

The former South Carolina offensive tackle was selected by the NY Jets in 5th round of NFL Draft, or No. 158 overall.

He will be making his first trip to New York when he flies to the team’s facility on Thursday, he said.

“I’m not even worried about the city. I’m just worried about football right now,” he said. “I am just going to go in and learn the playbook as fast as I can and try to contribute as much as I can.”

Shell, a 6-foot-5, 324-pounder from Goose Creek who is the great nephew of NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman Art Shell, started his final 47 games at South Carolina.

“I really think (right tackle) is where he’s going to be in the NFL,” Kiper said. “I was impressed with Shell in the Clemson game this year. Don’t force him to be a blindside protector. Keep in mind, the Jets, their goal was to get younger on the offensive line. He will have a chance to develop there. They want some youth. They wanted some developmental tackles. Maybe he has a shot to be a backup or a starter with the New York Jets.”

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 2:58 PM with the headline "Gamecocks’ Brandon Shell drafted by NY Jets."