Johnny Musso (College Stats) - 1972 NFL Draft Pick #62 by CHI
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Johnny Musso - 1972 NFL Draft
Player Overview:
Johnny Musso, a standout running back from the University of Alabama, was a highly regarded prospect entering the 1972 NFL Draft. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to break tackles, Musso was a key contributor to Alabama's success during his college career.
College Stats:
- Rushing Yards: 2,229
- Rushing Touchdowns: 29
- Yards per Carry: 5.5
- Receptions: 45
- Receiving Yards: 600
Strengths:
- Vision and Patience: Musso demonstrated exceptional vision on the field, allowing him to read defenses and find running lanes effectively.
- Speed and Agility: His quick acceleration and lateral movement made him a threat in both the running and passing game.
- Durability: Musso showed resilience, often playing through minor injuries and maintaining a high level of performance.
- Leadership: A natural leader, he earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike, making him a valuable asset in the locker room.
Areas for Improvement:
- Blocking Skills: While a proficient runner, Musso needed to improve his pass-blocking abilities to excel at the professional level.
- Consistency: There were moments where his performance dipped, leading to concerns about his ability to maintain a high level of play throughout an entire season.
Overall Assessment:
Johnny Musso was projected to be a first-round pick due to his impressive college stats and overall skill set. Teams were particularly interested in his potential to make an immediate impact as a starting running back in the NFL. His combination of speed, vision, and leadership traits made him a valuable prospect, despite some concerns regarding his blocking and consistency. As the draft approached, Musso's name was frequently mentioned among the top running backs available, and he was expected to be a significant contributor for whichever team selected him.
Projected Draft Position:
Many analysts predicted Musso would be selected in the first or early second round, making him one of the most sought-after players in the 1972 draft class.