Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dave Duerson (College Stats) - 1983 NFL Draft Pick #64 by CHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Dave Duerson (1983 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Dave Duerson
• College: University of Notre Dame
• Position: Safety
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 200 lbs

College Stats:

• Tackles: 88 (Senior Year)
• Interceptions: 7 (Career Total)
• Pass Deflections: 12 (Senior Year)
• Forced Fumbles: 3 (Career Total)

Strengths:

• Versatile Player: Duerson showcased the ability to play both safety positions, offering flexibility to NFL coaches.
• Strong Tackler: Known for his hard-hitting style and reliable tackling, making him a formidable presence in the secondary.
• Intelligence: Demonstrated a high football IQ, reading plays effectively and positioning himself accordingly.
• Leadership: As a team captain at Notre Dame, he displayed leadership qualities both on and off the field.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Coverage: While he showed promise in coverage, there were instances of lapses that could be exploited at the NFL level.
• Speed Concerns: Some scouts expressed concerns about his straight-line speed, which could hinder him against faster receivers.

Overall Assessment:

Dave Duerson was widely regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the 1983 NFL Draft. His combination of size, tackling ability, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. While there were concerns regarding his coverage skills and speed, many believed that with the right coaching and development, he could become a standout player in the league.

Projected Draft Round:

Most analysts projected Duerson to be selected in the 1st to 2nd round of the 1983 NFL Draft, with the potential to make an immediate impact on whichever team chose him.