Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Rick Kingrea () - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #352 by CLE


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Rick Kingrea (1971 NFL Draft)

College: University of Southern California (USC)
Position: Defensive Back

Player Overview:

Rick Kingrea was known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility on the field. As a standout player at USC, he showcased his skills as a defensive back, making him a sought-after prospect leading into the 1971 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

  • Speed and Agility: Kingrea possessed impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and stay with receivers.
  • Ball Skills: He had a knack for intercepting passes, demonstrating excellent hand-eye coordination and instincts.
  • Physicality: Kingrea was not afraid to mix it up with bigger players, showing strong tackling ability and a willingness to support the run defense.
  • Football IQ: His understanding of the game allowed him to read plays effectively and anticipate the actions of opposing quarterbacks.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Consistency: While Kingrea had flashes of brilliance, he sometimes struggled with maintaining a high level of performance throughout entire games.
  • Technical Skills: He needed to refine his footwork and technique in man-to-man coverage to compete at the professional level.

Draft Projection:

Rick Kingrea was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1971 NFL Draft. His potential as a solid contributor on special teams and as a depth player in the secondary made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.

Conclusion:

Kingrea's combination of speed, physicality, and playmaking ability made him a player to watch in the 1971 NFL Draft. Teams were hopeful that with proper coaching and development, he could evolve into a reliable NFL defensive back.