Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Lionel Coleman () - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #358 by RAM


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Lionel Coleman (1971 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

  • Name: Lionel Coleman
  • College: University of Southern California (USC)
  • Position: Defensive Back
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Weight: 190 lbs

Overview:

Lionel Coleman emerged from USC as one of the top defensive backs in the nation, showcasing a combination of speed, agility, and football intelligence. His college career was highlighted by impressive performances in key games, making him a highly sought-after prospect in the 1971 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

  • Excellent coverage skills, able to match up against both wide receivers and tight ends.
  • Good ball skills, demonstrated by a high number of interceptions during his college career.
  • Strong tackler, not afraid to come up and support against the run.
  • Leadership qualities, often regarded as a vocal presence in the secondary.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Needs to improve on his tackling technique to reduce missed tackles.
  • Must work on reading quarterbacks more effectively to anticipate plays.

Projected Draft Round: 2nd to 3rd Round

Conclusion:

As the 1971 NFL Draft approached, Lionel Coleman was regarded as a promising talent with the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Teams looking to bolster their secondary were keen on his prospects, and he was expected to be selected early in the draft.