Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dale Hellestrae () - 1985 NFL Draft Pick #112 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Dale Hellestrae (1985 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Dale Hellestrae
• Position: Center
• College: University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 280 lbs

Strengths:

• Versatile Skills: Hellestrae showcased excellent versatility, being able to play both center and guard, which adds significant value to his draft stock.
• Strong Pass Blocker: He demonstrated solid technique in pass protection, able to handle defensive tackles and create pockets for the quarterback.
• Intelligent Player: Known for his football IQ, Hellestrae excelled at reading defenses and making line calls, which is crucial for a center's role.
• Durability: Throughout his college career, he maintained good health and played consistently, a trait that NFL teams highly value.

Weaknesses:

• Size Concerns: At 280 lbs, some scouts felt he might be undersized for a center in the NFL, leading to questions about his ability to handle larger defensive linemen.
• Foot Speed: While he was effective in pass protection, his lateral quickness was noted as a potential area of concern, particularly in zone blocking schemes.

Overall Assessment:

Dale Hellestrae was regarded as a solid center prospect heading into the 1985 NFL Draft. His intelligence on the field and versatility made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. While there were concerns about his size and foot speed, many believed that his skills and experience would allow him to adapt well to the professional level. Teams appreciated his ability to lead the line and make quick decisions, which could translate into a successful NFL career.

Projected Draft Position:

Most analysts projected Hellestrae to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft, possibly between the 4th and 6th rounds, depending on team needs and preferences.