Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Rod Shoate (College Stats) - 1975 NFL Draft Pick #41 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Rod Shoate (1975 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Rod Shoate
• Position: Linebacker
• College: University of Oklahoma

College Stats:

• Games Played: 34
• Tackles: 200+
• Sacks: 15
• Interceptions: 4

Strengths:

• Fluid Athleticism: Shoate displayed remarkable agility and speed for a linebacker, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field.
• Football IQ: Known for his intelligence on the field, Shoate had an innate ability to read plays and anticipate the opposing offense's moves.
• Tackling Ability: His tackling technique was sound, often bringing down ball carriers effectively and efficiently.
• Versatility: Shoate's skills enabled him to play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.

Areas for Improvement:

• Size Concerns: At 6'1" and around 210 pounds, some scouts worried about his ability to hold up against larger, more physical players in the NFL.
• Consistency: While he often made big plays, there were times when his performance dipped, leading to questions about his reliability in critical situations.

Overall Assessment:

Rod Shoate was regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects entering the 1975 NFL Draft. His collegiate performance at Oklahoma showcased his playmaking ability, and many analysts believed he could make an immediate impact in the NFL. Teams were particularly drawn to his athleticism and intelligence, which could translate well to the professional game.

Projected Draft Position:

Most analysts predicted that Shoate would be selected in the early to mid rounds of the draft, with expectations that he could contribute significantly to a team's defensive unit right away.