Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jim Plunkett (College Stats) - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #1 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jim Plunkett

Player: Jim Plunkett

College: Stanford University

College Stats Overview

• Passing Yards: 4,600 yards
• Touchdowns: 31 TDs
• Interceptions: 21 INTs
• Completion Percentage: 53.7%

Strengths

• Strong Arm: Plunkett possesses a powerful arm, allowing him to make deep throws with accuracy.
• Mobility: He has good mobility in the pocket, enabling him to escape pressure and extend plays.
• Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated strong leadership skills at Stanford, both on and off the field.
• Experience: Played against tough competition in the Pac-8, showcasing his ability in high-pressure situations.

Weaknesses

• Consistency: At times, Plunkett struggled with consistency in his performance, leading to questions about his decision-making.
• Injury History: Previous injuries raised concerns about his durability at the professional level.

Overall Assessment

Jim Plunkett was regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects leading into the 1971 NFL Draft. His combination of physical tools and college experience made him an attractive option for teams in need of a franchise quarterback. While there were concerns about his consistency and injury history, many scouts believed his potential outweighed the risks. Plunkett's performance at Stanford, particularly his ability to lead the team in critical moments, solidified his status as a first-round pick.