Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Phil Francis (College Stats) - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #166 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Phil Francis - 1979 NFL Draft

College: University of Wisconsin
Position: Linebacker

Overview:

Phil Francis emerged as one of the most promising linebacker prospects entering the 1979 NFL Draft. Known for his intelligence on the field and physical attributes, he garnered attention from several NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive units.

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Francis showcased the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, making him a valuable asset for defensive schemes.
• Strong Tackler: He displayed excellent tackling technique and had a knack for stopping ball carriers effectively.
• Football IQ: His understanding of the game allowed him to read plays and react quickly, often putting him in the right position to make a play.
• Durability: Throughout his college career, Francis maintained a strong health record, appearing in most games without significant injuries.

Areas for Improvement:

• Speed: While effective, some scouts noted that Francis lacked elite speed, which could be a concern against faster NFL offenses.
• Pass Coverage: While solid in run support, he needed to improve his skills in pass coverage to compete at the professional level.

Projected Draft Position:

Phil Francis was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft. His combination of college performance and physical attributes made him an intriguing prospect, but concerns about his speed and pass coverage limited his overall draft stock.

Conclusion:

As the 1979 NFL Draft approached, Phil Francis was seen as a player with the potential to develop into a reliable linebacker. Teams looking for depth at the position with the possibility of future starting capabilities viewed him as a solid investment.