Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Clifton McNeil () - 1962 NFL Draft Pick #151 by CLE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Clifton McNeil (1962 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Clifton McNeil
• College: University of Southern California
• Position: Defensive Back
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 190 lbs

Overview:

Clifton McNeil was regarded as one of the top defensive backs coming out of college in the 1962 NFL Draft. His performance at USC showcased his skills as a versatile and athletic player with a keen understanding of the game.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: McNeil demonstrated impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and keep up with fast receivers.
• Ball Skills: Known for his ability to track the ball, McNeil had a knack for making interceptions and breaking up passes.
• Tackling: He was a strong tackler, capable of bringing down larger offensive players with his physicality.
• Football IQ: McNeil had a high football IQ, understanding offensive schemes and anticipating plays effectively.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: While McNeil showed flashes of brilliance, he needed to work on maintaining a high level of performance throughout games.
• Coverage Skills: Some scouts noted he could improve his man-to-man coverage techniques to become more effective against elite receivers.

Draft Projection:

McNeil was projected to be selected in the early rounds of the 1962 NFL Draft due to his potential and skill set. Teams were particularly interested in his ability to contribute immediately in the defensive backfield.

Conclusion:

Clifton McNeil was seen as a promising prospect with the potential to impact the NFL. His combination of physical attributes and football intelligence made him a desirable pick for teams looking to bolster their secondary.