Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jack Tatum (College Stats) - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #19 by OAK

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jack Tatum (1971 NFL Draft)

Player: Jack Tatum
College: The Ohio State University
Position: Safety

College Stats Overview

• Years Active: 1968 - 1970
• Key Stats:
• Tackles: 120+ (approximate over 3 seasons)
• Interceptions: 8
• Pass Deflections: 15+
• Honors:
• Big Ten Champion (1968, 1969)
• Consensus All-American (1970)
• Named to the All-Big Ten team multiple times

Strengths

• Physicality: Tatum was known for his aggressive playing style and hard-hitting ability, making him a feared presence in the secondary.
• Speed and Agility: His quickness allowed him to cover ground rapidly, making him effective in both pass coverage and run support.
• Ball Skills: Demonstrated excellent instincts for the game, with the ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays, leading to a solid interception record.

Concerns

• Over-aggressiveness: Tatum's tendency to go for big hits sometimes led to missed tackles and penalties.
• Inexperience: While he had standout college performances, there were concerns about how his skills would translate to the professional level.

Projected Draft Position

Jack Tatum was projected to be a first-round pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion

Jack Tatum's college career showcased his potential as an elite safety. His hard-hitting style and ability to create turnovers were major selling points for NFL teams, making him a highly sought-after prospect in the 1971 draft.