Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Ed Marinaro (College Stats) - 1972 NFL Draft Pick #50 by MIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Ed Marinaro (1972 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Ed Marinaro
• Position: Running Back
• College: Cornell University
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 210 lbs

College Stats:

• Rushing Yards: 3,715 yards
• Rushing Touchdowns: 29
• Average Yards per Carry: 5.4
• Receiving Yards: 1,097 yards
• Receiving Touchdowns: 5

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Marinaro showcased exceptional speed and agility during his collegiate career, making him a threat to break long runs.
• Vision: He displayed excellent field vision, allowing him to find the best running lanes and evade defenders.
• Durability: Played through injuries and maintained consistent performance, showcasing his toughness.
• Receiving Ability: Marinaro was not only effective as a runner but also demonstrated strong hands and route-running skills, making him a dual-threat option out of the backfield.

Weaknesses:

• Competition Level: Played at Cornell, which is not known for its football powerhouse status, leading to questions about how his performance would translate to the NFL.
• Blocking Skills: While effective as a ball-carrier, there were concerns regarding his blocking ability in pass protection.

Overall Assessment:

Ed Marinaro entered the 1972 NFL Draft as a highly regarded running back due to his impressive collegiate statistics and dynamic playing style. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game made him an attractive option for teams looking for a versatile offensive player. However, concerns about the level of competition he faced in college and his blocking skills left some scouts cautious. Marinaro was seen as a promising prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.