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Todd Blackledge (College Stats) - 1983 NFL Draft Pick #7 by KC

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Todd Blackledge (1983 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:

• Name: Todd Blackledge
• Position: Quarterback
• College: Penn State
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 220 lbs

College Stats Overview:

• Passing Yards: 4,174
• Touchdowns: 31
• Interceptions: 17
• Completion Percentage: 59.3%
• Games Played: 30

Strengths:

• Leadership: Blackledge demonstrated strong leadership skills at Penn State, guiding his team to a national championship in 1982.
• Intelligence: Known for his football IQ, he was able to read defenses effectively and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Arm Strength: Blackledge possessed a strong arm, capable of making deep throws and fitting passes into tight windows.
• Pro-Style Offense Experience: Played in a pro-style offense at Penn State, which prepared him for the complexities of the NFL game.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: Although talented, Blackledge showed some inconsistency in his performance, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• Mobility: Lacked the speed and agility of some of his peers, which could limit his effectiveness outside the pocket.
• Injury History: Had some injury concerns during his college career that raised red flags for NFL scouts.

Overall Assessment:

Todd Blackledge was viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 1983 NFL Draft. His combination of size, arm strength, and leadership qualities made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their quarterback position. However, concerns about consistency and mobility, along with injury history, led some teams to weigh their options carefully. Many analysts projected him as a mid-first round pick, anticipating that he would develop into a starting quarterback in the right system.