Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jim Youngblood () - 1973 NFL Draft Pick #42 by RAM

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jim Youngblood - 1973 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Jim Youngblood
• College: University of Tennessee
• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6'3", 230 lbs

Strengths:

• Versatile Skills: Youngblood displayed exceptional versatility on the field, capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker roles.
• Speed and Agility: His quickness allowed him to cover ground effectively, making him an asset in both run defense and pass coverage.
• Football Intelligence: Demonstrated a strong understanding of defensive schemes and was able to read plays well, making him an effective tackler.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Tackling: At times, Youngblood struggled with tackling consistency, missing some open-field tackles due to his aggressive style.
• Experience Level: While he had a solid college career, there were concerns about his transition to the professional level, given the increased speed and complexity of the NFL.

Draft Projection:

• Youngblood was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1973 NFL Draft, with teams looking for strong linebackers to bolster their defenses.
• His combination of size, speed, and intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to improve their linebacker corps.

Overall Assessment:

Jim Youngblood was regarded as a promising linebacker prospect in the 1973 NFL Draft. His athleticism and football IQ offered significant upside, though teams would need to address his tackling inconsistencies. As a player from a reputable college program, he was expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level.