Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Willie Shelby (College Stats) - 1976 NFL Draft Pick #138 by CIN

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Willie Shelby (1976 NFL Draft)

Willie Shelby, a standout player from college, showcased impressive skills and athleticism during his collegiate career. Below are the key highlights and factors that contributed to his pre-draft analysis:

• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of Southern California
• Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs
• College Stats:
  • Interceptions: 8
  • Tackles: 120
  • Pass Deflections: 15

Strengths:

• Athleticism: Shelby displayed exceptional speed and agility, making him a versatile player capable of covering a wide range of receivers.
• Ball Skills: His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate passes led to multiple interceptions, showcasing his playmaking ability.
• Tackling: Shelby was known for his aggressive tackling style, able to support the run defense effectively.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: While Shelby had flashes of brilliance, there were concerns about his consistency in coverage against top-tier competition.
• Technical Skills: Improvement in his backpedaling and footwork would enhance his coverage ability at the professional level.

Overall Outlook:

Willie Shelby was considered a solid prospect heading into the 1976 NFL Draft, with potential to make an immediate impact in the secondary of whichever team selected him. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for defensive schemes that emphasized aggressive pass coverage.