Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Rick Middleton (College Stats) - 1974 NFL Draft Pick #13 by NO

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1974 NFL Draft Pre-Draft Analysis for Rick Middleton

Player Profile:

• Name: Rick Middleton
• Position: Running Back
• College: University of Kansas

College Stats:

• Rushing Yards: 1,325 yards
• Touchdowns: 14
• Receiving Yards: 300 yards
• Games Played: 31

Strengths:

• Speed: Middleton displayed impressive speed, making him a threat to break long runs.
• Vision: He had an excellent ability to read defenses and find gaps in the offensive line.
• Agility: His quick footwork allowed him to evade tacklers, making him a versatile player.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'10" and 190 lbs, some scouts questioned his ability to handle the physicality of the NFL.
• Blocking: Middleton's pass-blocking skills were considered a work in progress, which might limit his playing time on third downs.

Overall Assessment:

Rick Middleton was seen as an intriguing prospect in the 1974 NFL Draft, thanks to his combination of speed and agility. His collegiate performance at the University of Kansas showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker. However, concerns about his size and blocking abilities left some teams cautious about investing a high draft pick in him. Ultimately, Middleton was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds, with the potential to become a valuable contributor in a specialized role.