Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Walt Downing () - 1978 NFL Draft Pick #47 by SF


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Walt Downing - 1978 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

  • Name: Walt Downing
  • Position: Offensive Tackle
  • College: University of Colorado

Physical Attributes:

  • Height: 6'5"
  • Weight: 270 lbs

Strengths:

  • Impressive size and strength for an offensive tackle.
  • Good footwork and agility for his size, allowing him to maneuver effectively against defenders.
  • Solid technique in both pass protection and run blocking.
  • Experience in a competitive college program, showcasing ability to perform against strong opponents.

Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistent performance at times, leading to concerns about his ability to maintain high-level play over long stretches.
  • Needs to improve on his hand placement and leverage during blocking to maximize effectiveness.
  • May require time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL game.

Overall Assessment:

Walt Downing is viewed as a promising offensive tackle with the potential to develop into a solid starter in the NFL. His size and physical attributes make him a desirable candidate, but teams will need to weigh his inconsistencies and development needs against their immediate roster needs. A mid-round selection seems likely, with the hope that he can be molded into a reliable contributor over time.

Projected Draft Round: 3rd to 5th Round