Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Nick Rassas (College Stats) - 1966 NFL Draft Pick #17 by ATL

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Nick Rassas (1966 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Nick Rassas
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of Notre Dame

College Stats:

• Year: 1962-1965
• Games Played: 30
• Interceptions: 12
• Tackles: 100+

Strengths:

• Versatile Defender: Rassas showcased the ability to play both safety and cornerback, making him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes.
• Instincts: He demonstrated exceptional instincts on the field, often anticipating plays and making crucial interceptions.
• Leadership: As a captain at Notre Dame, Rassas exhibited strong leadership qualities, guiding younger players and maintaining team morale.
• Physicality: Known for his aggressive tackling style, Rassas was not afraid to engage with larger offensive players.

Areas for Improvement:

• Speed: While Rassas was effective in coverage, scouts noted that he lacked elite speed, which could affect his performance against faster receivers.
• Coverage Skills: Although he excelled in man coverage, there were concerns about his ability to adapt to zone schemes at the next level.

Draft Projection:

• Nick Rassas was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1966 NFL Draft, with potential to contribute as a solid backup and special teams player.
• Teams looking for a reliable defensive back with leadership skills and a solid college track record were particularly interested.

Conclusion:

Nick Rassas was regarded as a promising prospect with the potential to develop into a starting defensive back in the NFL. His college performance at Notre Dame solidified his reputation as a tough, instinctive player, but concerns about his speed and adaptability in coverage would influence his draft stock.