Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Lyle Blackwood () - 1973 NFL Draft Pick #217 by DEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Lyle Blackwood - 1973 NFL Draft

Lyle Blackwood, a standout safety from the University of Maryland, garnered attention leading up to the 1973 NFL Draft. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential:

• Position: Safety
• College: University of Maryland
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 205 lbs

Strengths:

• Exceptional Athleticism: Blackwood displayed impressive speed and agility, crucial for a safety. His ability to cover ground quickly made him a formidable presence in the secondary.
• Ball Skills: Known for his excellent hands, Blackwood had a knack for intercepting passes and creating turnovers, a valuable asset for any defense.
• Football IQ: He possessed a strong understanding of defensive schemes, allowing him to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays effectively.
• Versatility: Blackwood’s ability to play both strong and free safety made him a flexible option for teams, enabling them to adapt their defensive strategies.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Concerns about previous injuries raised questions regarding his durability at the professional level.
• Physical Play: While he was a solid tackler, there were instances where he relied too much on his athleticism rather than technique, which could lead to missed tackles in the NFL.

Overall Potential:

With his combination of size, speed, and intelligence, Lyle Blackwood was projected to be a valuable addition to any NFL team's secondary. If he could stay healthy and refine his technique, he had the potential to become a starting safety and contribute significantly to a defensive unit.

Draft Projection: Mid to late rounds, with potential for a higher selection depending on team needs and his performance in pre-draft workouts.