Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Terry Irvin () - 1977 NFL Draft Pick #322 by CHI


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Terry Irvin - 1977 NFL Draft

Terry Irvin, a standout player from the University of Southern California, was one of the highly regarded prospects heading into the 1977 NFL Draft. Here’s a detailed analysis of his skills and potential:

  • Position: Linebacker
  • College: University of Southern California
  • Height: 6'2"
  • Weight: 225 lbs

Strengths:

  • Versatile Skill Set: Irvin showcased the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, making him a valuable asset for defensive schemes.
  • Strong Tackler: Known for his physical play, Irvin was an aggressive tackler who could disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage.
  • Football Intelligence: He demonstrated excellent knowledge of the game, displaying the ability to read offenses and anticipate plays.
  • Leadership Qualities: As a captain at USC, Irvin exhibited strong leadership on the field, motivating his teammates and leading by example.

Weaknesses:

  • Injury Concerns: Irvin had a history of injuries during his college career, which raised questions about his durability in the NFL.
  • Coverage Skills: While he was effective against the run, his pass coverage skills needed improvement to compete at the professional level.

Overall Assessment:

Terry Irvin was seen as a player with significant potential in the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. However, concerns regarding his injury history and coverage abilities meant that teams would need to assess how he fit into their defensive strategies.

As the 1977 NFL Draft approached, many scouts expected Irvin to be selected in the early rounds, with teams eager to add his talent and leadership to their rosters.