Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dave Preston () - 1977 NFL Draft Pick #333 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Dave Preston - 1977 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Dave Preston
• Position: Running Back
• College: University of Washington

Overview:

Dave Preston was a standout running back at the University of Washington, known for his speed, agility, and versatile skill set. As the 1977 NFL Draft approached, scouts were closely monitoring his performance and potential to make an impact at the professional level.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Preston exhibited exceptional quickness, allowing him to evade defenders and accelerate effectively through the line of scrimmage.
• Vision: He demonstrated a keen sense of field awareness, enabling him to find and exploit running lanes.
• Receiving Ability: Preston was not just a runner; he showcased solid hands and route-running skills, making him a dual-threat option out of the backfield.
• Durability: Throughout his college career, he maintained good health, showing he could handle the rigors of a full NFL season.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'10" and around 190 pounds, some analysts questioned whether he could withstand the physicality of the NFL.
• Blocking Skills: While he was a proficient runner, concerns arose regarding his effectiveness in pass protection, which is crucial for running backs at the professional level.

Draft Projection:

Preston was viewed as a solid mid-round pick, with potential to be a valuable contributor to a team looking to bolster its backfield. His combination of speed and receiving ability made him an attractive option for teams that favored a versatile offense.

Conclusion:

As the 1977 NFL Draft approached, Dave Preston was considered a player to watch. His collegiate performance indicated that he had the tools to succeed in the NFL, and many teams were eager to see where he would land.