RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.