Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dan Ralph () - 1984 NFL Draft Pick #163 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Dan Ralph (1984 NFL Draft)

Position: Offensive Tackle

College: University of Michigan

Overview:

Dan Ralph was regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects heading into the 1984 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and technique made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.

Strengths:

• Size and Strength: At 6'5" and 300 pounds, Ralph possessed the ideal size for an offensive tackle, providing a solid anchor against defensive linemen.
• Technique: He demonstrated proficient footwork and hand placement, which were critical for both pass protection and run blocking.
• Experience: Ralph started multiple seasons at Michigan, which gave him valuable experience in high-pressure situations against top-tier college defenses.
• Versatility: Capable of playing both left and right tackle, his versatility was a significant advantage for teams looking to enhance their line depth.

Concerns:

• Injury History: Despite his talent, concerns about past injuries could affect his draft stock and long-term durability in the NFL.
• Adjustment to Professional Level: Transitioning from college to the NFL can be challenging; there were questions about how quickly he could adapt to the speed and complexity of professional defenses.

Projected Draft Round:

Most analysts projected Dan Ralph to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1984 NFL Draft, with the potential to be a starter early in his career.

Conclusion:

With a promising skill set and a strong college career, Dan Ralph was expected to make an impact at the next level. Teams in need of offensive line help were keenly interested in his potential to contribute to their offensive schemes.