Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Willie Burden (College Stats) - 1974 NFL Draft Pick #139 by DET

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Willie Burden (1974 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Willie Burden
• Position: Running Back
• College: Colorado State University
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 220 lbs

College Stats:

• Rushing Yards: 1,158 yards (senior year)
• Touchdowns: 11 rushing touchdowns (senior year)
• Average Yards Per Carry: 5.0

Strengths:

• Powerful Runner: Burden's size and strength allowed him to break tackles and gain extra yards, making him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations.
• Speed: He possessed good speed for a player of his size, which contributed to his ability to stretch plays and outrun defenders.
• Durability: Burden demonstrated a strong ability to stay healthy throughout his college career, which is a key factor in evaluating running backs.

Weaknesses:

• Pass Protection: Concerns were raised about his ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback, an essential skill for running backs in the NFL.
• Receiving Skills: While effective as a runner, he had limited experience as a receiver out of the backfield, which could impact his versatility in pro offenses.

Overall Assessment:

Willie Burden was considered one of the top running back prospects in the 1974 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and collegiate production made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their backfield. However, teams would need to evaluate his pass protection and receiving capabilities to determine how he would fit into their offensive schemes.

With the right coaching and development, Burden had the potential to become a featured back in the NFL, capable of making an immediate impact on a team's rushing attack.