Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jeff Welch () - 1972 NFL Draft Pick #281 by WAS

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jeff Welch - 1972 NFL Draft

Position: Kicker

College: University of Southern California (USC)

Overview

Jeff Welch emerged as one of the top kicking prospects entering the 1972 NFL Draft. He had a standout career at USC, showcasing his strong leg and accuracy, making him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to bolster their special teams unit.

Strengths

• Powerful Leg: Welch demonstrated the ability to consistently hit long field goals, often from 50 yards and beyond.
• Accuracy: Known for his precision, he maintained a high field goal percentage throughout his college career.
• Experience: Played in a high-pressure environment at USC, which helped him develop mental toughness and composure.
• Versatility: Capable of handling kickoffs and field goals, making him a dual-threat option for NFL teams.

Concerns

• Inconsistency: While generally reliable, there were moments of inconsistency during high-pressure situations.
• Injury History: Had a few minor injuries during college that raised questions about his durability at the professional level.

Projected Draft Position

Welch was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1972 NFL Draft, primarily due to the value of a reliable kicker in the league. Teams in need of a solid kicker would be keen to take a chance on his potential.

Conclusion

Jeff Welch was viewed as a promising kicker with the potential to make an impact at the NFL level. His collegiate performance, coupled with his physical attributes, made him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their kicking game.