RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Sam Stepney () - 1980 NFL Draft Pick #203 by KC

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis: Sam Stepney

College: University of Wisconsin

Position: Defensive Back

Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 lbs

Overview

Sam Stepney emerged as one of the most promising defensive backs leading up to the 1980 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and agility made him a standout player during his college career at the University of Wisconsin. As a key component of the team's secondary, he showcased his ability to make game-changing plays.

Strengths

  • Athleticism: Stepney has exceptional speed and quickness, allowing him to cover a lot of ground and contest passes effectively.
  • Ball Skills: He demonstrated great hands and the ability to track the ball, resulting in numerous interceptions during his college career.
  • Tackling: Stepney is a strong and reliable tackler, unafraid to come up and support the run defense.
  • Versatility: His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary makes him a valuable asset for any defense.

Weaknesses

  • Experience: While he had a solid college career, some scouts noted the need for further development in reading offenses at the professional level.
  • Injury Concerns: There were minor injuries during his college tenure that raised questions about his durability in the NFL.

Draft Projection

Projected as a late first to early second-round pick, Sam Stepney was highly regarded among defensive backs in the 1980 NFL Draft. His skill set and potential to contribute immediately made him a target for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion

Sam Stepney's combination of athleticism, intelligence, and versatility positioned him as one of the more intriguing defensive back prospects in the 1980 NFL Draft. Teams were excited about what he could bring to their rosters and how he could develop in the coming years.