RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Gerald Butler () - 1977 NFL Draft Pick #182 by CHI

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Gerald Butler - 1977 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
  • Name: Gerald Butler
  • Position: Linebacker
  • College: University of Southern California (USC)
Overview:

Gerald Butler entered the 1977 NFL Draft as a highly regarded linebacker from USC, known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. His performance during college showcased his skills, making him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.

Strengths:
  • Speed and Agility: Butler possessed exceptional speed for his position, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field.
  • Tackling Ability: Renowned for his strong tackling technique, he was able to bring down ball carriers effectively, often leading to game-changing stops.
  • Football IQ: Butler demonstrated a strong understanding of the game, often reading plays and reacting quickly to opposing offenses.
  • Leadership: As a captain at USC, he exhibited leadership qualities that could translate well to an NFL locker room.
Weaknesses:
  • Size Concerns: At 6'1" and 220 pounds, there were questions about his ability to hold up against larger NFL players.
  • Injury History: He had dealt with some injuries in college, raising concerns about his durability at the professional level.
Draft Projection:

Gerald Butler was projected to be selected in the early to mid rounds of the 1977 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a versatile linebacker with the ability to impact both run and pass defense were particularly interested in his skill set.

Conclusion:

Gerald Butler was viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to develop into a starter in the NFL. His college career at USC left a lasting impression, and many scouts believed he could make an immediate impact on special teams while developing into a reliable linebacker.