Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

John Mackey HOF (College Stats) - 1963 NFL Draft Pick #19 by BAL

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for John Mackey (1963 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: John Mackey
• Position: Tight End
• College: Syracuse University
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 225 lbs

College Stats:

• Receiving: 38 receptions for 634 yards and 9 touchdowns
• Rushing: Minor contributions in rushing yards

Strengths:

• Exceptional Athleticism: Mackey was known for his speed and agility, which were rare for a player of his size.
• Blocking Skills: Demonstrated strong blocking ability, making him a dual-threat as both a receiver and a blocker.
• Route Running: Showed proficiency in running routes, allowing him to create separation from defenders.
• Playmaking Ability: Possessed the ability to make big plays and turn short passes into significant yardage gains.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Hands: At times, struggled with drops, which could limit his effectiveness as a reliable target.
• Injury History: Had some concerns regarding durability and staying healthy over a full season.

Overall Assessment:

John Mackey was regarded as one of the top tight end prospects heading into the 1963 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and versatility made him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their offense. While there were some concerns regarding consistency and durability, his potential as a game-changing player outweighed these issues. Many analysts expected him to be an early-round selection, projecting him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Projected Draft Position:

Most analysts believed Mackey would be selected in the first or second round of the draft, with high expectations for his future contributions to whichever team chose him.