Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Mike Calhoun () - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #274 by DAL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Mike Calhoun (1979 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Mike Calhoun
• Position: Linebacker
• College: University of California, Berkeley

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 230 lbs

Strengths:

• Versatile Athlete: Demonstrated ability to play both inside and outside linebacker positions.
• Strong Tackler: Known for his hard-hitting style and ability to bring down ball carriers effectively.
• Football IQ: Exhibited high awareness on the field, able to read plays and anticipate offensive strategies.
• Leadership Qualities: Served as a team captain in college, showcasing his ability to lead and motivate teammates.

Areas for Improvement:

• Speed: While effective in short bursts, some scouts noted a lack of top-end speed that could limit his effectiveness in coverage.
• Injury History: Had a couple of minor injuries during college that raised some concerns about durability at the professional level.
• Pass Coverage Skills: Needs to improve in pass coverage to be a three-down linebacker; may struggle against faster receivers and tight ends.

Overall Assessment:

Mike Calhoun was viewed as a solid prospect entering the 1979 NFL Draft. His combination of size, tackling ability, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. While there were concerns regarding his speed and coverage abilities, his leadership skills and versatility were seen as valuable assets. Many expected him to be selected in the middle rounds of the draft, with the potential to develop into a starting linebacker in the right system.