Mike Irwin (College Stats) - 1967 NFL Draft Pick #415 by BUF
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Mike Irwin - 1967 NFL Draft
Player Profile:
- Name: Mike Irwin
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- College: University of Michigan
College Stats:
- Year: 1964 - 1966
- Games Played: 30
- Starts: 28
- Notable Achievements: All-Big Ten honors, key contributor to a strong offensive line
Strengths:
- Size and Strength: Irwin possessed ideal size for an offensive tackle, with excellent upper body strength that allowed him to hold his ground against defensive linemen.
- Footwork: His agility and footwork were praised, making him effective in both run blocking and pass protection.
- Football IQ: Demonstrated a strong understanding of defensive schemes, allowing him to make quick adjustments on the field.
Weaknesses:
- Injury History: Had some concerns regarding durability, as injuries had limited his playing time in previous seasons.
- Technique Consistency: While fundamentally sound, there were instances where his technique would break down under pressure, particularly against quicker edge rushers.
Draft Projection:
- Many analysts projected Irwin as a mid-round pick, expected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round range.
- Teams were intrigued by his potential to develop into a starting offensive tackle with proper coaching.
Overall Outlook:
Mike Irwin was viewed as a solid offensive line prospect with the potential to contribute at the professional level. His combination of size, strength, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. His performance in college and during the pre-draft process would ultimately determine his draft stock.