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Carlton Williamson (College Stats) - 1981 NFL Draft Pick #65 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Carlton Williamson - 1981 NFL Draft

Position: Safety
College: University of Notre Dame

Overview:

Carlton Williamson was regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the 1981 NFL Draft following a standout career at Notre Dame. Known for his physical play style and strong instincts on the field, Williamson was expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Strengths:

• Physicality: Williamson was known for his aggressive playing style. He was unafraid to step up in run support and was effective at tackling.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated excellent ball-hawking skills, consistently making plays on the football and creating turnovers.
• Football IQ: His understanding of the game allowed him to read offenses well and anticipate plays, making him a valuable asset in the secondary.
• Versatility: Williamson had the ability to play both strong and free safety, providing defensive coordinators with flexibility in how they utilized him.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While he was a solid athlete, some scouts questioned his top-end speed, which could be a concern in the pass-heavy NFL.
• Injury History: There were minor injury concerns from his college career that raised questions about his durability at the professional level.

Projected Draft Position:

Williamson was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1981 NFL Draft, with teams impressed by his collegiate performance and physical attributes. His combination of skills and potential made him a desirable pick for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion:

Carlton Williamson entered the 1981 NFL Draft with a solid reputation as a hard-hitting safety with significant upside. His ability to contribute both in coverage and against the run made him an appealing choice for teams seeking to improve their defensive backfield.