Dennis Onkotz (College Stats) - 1970 NFL Draft Pick #72 by NYJ
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Dennis Onkotz (1970 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
Dennis Onkotz was a standout linebacker from Penn State University, known for his tenacity and leadership on the field. As a key member of the Nittany Lions, Onkotz was recognized for his ability to read offenses and make decisive plays.
College Stats Overview:
- **Position:** Linebacker
- **College:** Penn State University
- **Career Highlights:**
- Strong performance in key games, showcasing skills against top-tier college teams.
- Consistent tackler with a knack for forcing turnovers.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and was a captain during his senior year.
Strengths:
- Instincts: Onkotz had an exceptional ability to read plays, allowing him to position himself effectively to make tackles.
- Versatility: Capable of playing multiple linebacker roles, which provides flexibility to any defensive scheme.
- Physicality: Known for his aggressive playing style, he was not afraid to engage with offensive linemen and make hard tackles.
- Durability: Played through injuries and maintained a high level of performance, demonstrating resilience.
Areas for Improvement:
- Speed: While Onkotz was effective in his college career, scouts noted that he could improve his straight-line speed to better match faster NFL players.
- Coverage Skills: Although strong against the run, his pass coverage skills required further development to excel in the modern game.
Projected Draft Position:
Dennis Onkotz was projected to be selected in the early to middle rounds of the 1970 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his leadership and instinctual play. His college performance and potential for growth made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.
Conclusion:
Dennis Onkotz was viewed as a solid linebacker prospect with the potential to contribute immediately at the professional level. With further development in speed and coverage, he had the makings of a dependable starter in the NFL.