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Paul Lankford (College Stats) - 1982 NFL Draft Pick #80 by MIA

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Paul Lankford - 1982 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Paul Lankford
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of Florida

College Stats:

• Games Played: 36
• Tackles: 162
• Interceptions: 8
• Pass Deflections: 22

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Lankford demonstrated the ability to play both cornerback and safety, showcasing his versatility in the secondary.
• Ball Skills: His interception total reflects his ability to read the quarterback and position himself to make plays on the ball.
• Tackling Ability: Lankford was known for his aggressive tackling style and ability to support the run defense effectively.
• Football IQ: He exhibited a strong understanding of defensive schemes and was able to make quick decisions under pressure.

Areas for Improvement:

• Speed: While not the slowest player, Lankford lacked elite speed, which could be a concern against faster receivers in the NFL.
• Physicality: At times, he struggled against more physical wide receivers, which could lead to mismatches at the next level.

Overall Outlook:

Paul Lankford was seen as a solid prospect heading into the 1982 NFL Draft. With his college statistics demonstrating a productive career and a well-rounded skill set, he was projected to be a valuable addition to an NFL secondary. Teams looking for a reliable defensive back with potential for development would find Lankford an appealing option.

While he may not have been a top-tier prospect, his combination of versatility and football intelligence made him a player to watch in the draft.