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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Stafford Mays () - 1980 NFL Draft Pick #225 by STL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Stafford Mays - 1980 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
  • Name: Stafford Mays
  • Position: Defensive Back
  • College: University of Southern California (USC)
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 190 lbs
Overview:

Stafford Mays emerged as one of the top defensive backs in college football during his time at USC. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Mays was a key contributor to the Trojans’ defense.

Strengths:
  • Speed and Agility: Mays displayed impressive speed, allowing him to cover a lot of ground quickly. His agility made him effective in man-to-man coverage.
  • Ball Skills: He had a knack for finding the football, evidenced by multiple interceptions and pass deflections during his collegiate career.
  • Tackling Ability: Mays was a sure tackler who was not afraid to engage with larger offensive players, showcasing his physicality on the field.
Concerns:
  • Consistency: While Mays had flashes of brilliance, there were concerns about his consistency in coverage, particularly against top-tier receivers.
  • Injury History: Some scouts noted that he had battled injuries during his college career, which raised red flags about his durability at the professional level.
Projected Draft Position:

Experts predicted that Stafford Mays would be selected in the early rounds of the 1980 NFL Draft, potentially as a second or third-round pick, depending on team needs and his performance at the combine.

Potential Fit:

Mays was viewed as a versatile defensive back who could play both cornerback and safety, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. His experience in a high-caliber college program like USC also gave him an edge in terms of readiness for the NFL.

Stafford Mays was regarded as a promising prospect with the potential to become a key player in the NFL, provided he could address his consistency and maintain his health.