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Wilson Whitley (College Stats) - 1977 NFL Draft Pick #8 by CIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Wilson Whitley - 1977 NFL Draft

Player Profile: Wilson Whitley Position: Defensive Tackle College: University of Houston College Stats:

• Games Played: 31
• Total Tackles: 150
• Sacks: 10
• Forced Fumbles: 5

Strengths:

• Physicality: Whitley was known for his tough, physical playing style. His ability to engage blockers and shed them made him a formidable presence on the defensive line.
• Quickness: Despite his size, Whitley displayed impressive quickness off the line, allowing him to penetrate opposing backfields effectively.
• Football IQ: His understanding of offensive schemes enabled him to anticipate plays, making him a valuable asset in run defense.

Weaknesses:

• Injury Concerns: There were some concerns regarding his durability, as he had a history of minor injuries during his college career.
• Consistency: While Whitley had standout performances, there were moments when he struggled to maintain his performance level throughout games.

Projection: Whitley was projected to be a mid-round pick due to his combination of size, skills, and college performance. Teams were particularly interested in his potential to develop into a starter at the defensive tackle position. With the right coaching, he could become a key player in a 4-3 defensive scheme. Conclusion: Wilson Whitley was viewed as a promising talent in the 1977 NFL Draft, with the potential to impact the game significantly if he could address his consistency and health issues. His physical attributes and college performance suggested that he could be a valuable addition to an NFL roster.