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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Bill Bates (College Stats) - 1967 NFL Draft Pick #343 by NYG

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Bill Bates - 1967 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
  • Name: Bill Bates
  • Position: Safety
  • College: University of Tennessee
College Stats:
  • Games Played: 34
  • Tackles: 145
  • Interceptions: 6
  • Pass Deflections: 10
  • Fumble Recoveries: 3
Strengths:
  • Exceptional tackling ability and physical presence on the field.
  • Strong understanding of the game and excellent instincts, allowing for effective play recognition.
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong work ethic during college career.
Weaknesses:
  • Limited speed compared to some of the more agile safety prospects in the draft.
  • May struggle in coverage against faster receivers in the NFL.
Overall Outlook:

Bill Bates was viewed as a hard-nosed safety who excelled in run support and was capable of making big plays. His experience in college and proven tackling skills made him an appealing option for teams looking for a reliable defensive back. While concerns about his speed may have limited his draft stock, his leadership and instincts were expected to make him a valuable addition to any NFL squad.

Projected Draft Round:

Most analysts projected Bates to be selected in the late rounds of the 1967 NFL Draft, likely between rounds 6 to 8, due to his solid collegiate performance and potential to contribute on special teams as well.