Lyle Blackwood () - 1973 NFL Draft Pick #217 by DEN
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
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.