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Joe Montana HOF (College Stats) - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #82 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Joe Montana (1979 NFL Draft)

College: University of Notre Dame
Position: Quarterback

College Stats:

• Senior Year (1978): 2,810 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 8 interceptions
• Overall College Career (1975-1978): 5,658 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 25 interceptions

Strengths:

• Clutch Performer: Known for his ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes games. Led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1977.
• Football IQ: Exceptional understanding of the game, able to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly.
• Accuracy: Demonstrated a high completion percentage during his senior year, showcasing his ability to make precise throws.
• Work Ethic: Renowned for his dedication to improving his game, both in practice and during the offseason.

Concerns:

• Size: At 6'2" and around 200 pounds, some scouts were concerned about his physical stature compared to other quarterbacks in the draft.
• Inconsistency: While he had standout moments, there were times when his performance dipped, raising questions about his consistency at the professional level.
• Offensive System: Played in a college system that was significantly different from the pro game, leading to uncertainty about his transition to the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

Joe Montana was viewed as a talented quarterback with the potential to succeed at the NFL level. His ability to lead teams and perform in clutch situations made him an intriguing prospect, despite some concerns about his physical attributes and consistency. Many scouts believed that given the right coaching and system, Montana could develop into a franchise quarterback.