Lonnie Young (College Stats) - 1985 NFL Draft Pick #325 by STL
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Lonnie Young (1985 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- Name: Lonnie Young
- Position: Safety
- College: University of Southern California (USC)
Overview:
Lonnie Young was highly regarded as a strong safety prospect heading into the 1985 NFL Draft. Known for his physicality and playmaking ability, Young demonstrated a well-rounded skill set during his college career at USC.
Strengths:
- Versatility: Young showcased the ability to play both strong and free safety, allowing for flexibility in defensive schemes.
- Physical Play: He was known for his aggressive tackling and ability to deliver punishing hits, making him a formidable presence in the secondary.
- Ball Skills: Young exhibited good hands and awareness, leading to several interceptions and pass deflections during his college tenure.
- Football IQ: His understanding of the game allowed him to read offenses effectively and anticipate plays, contributing to his overall effectiveness on the field.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency: While Young had standout performances, there were moments of inconsistency that raised questions about his reliability in coverage.
- Speed: Although he had decent speed for a safety, there were concerns about his ability to keep up with faster wide receivers at the next level.
Projected Draft Position:
Lonnie Young was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1985 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his experience in a major college program and his potential to develop into a solid starter in the NFL.
Conclusion:
Lonnie Young was viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to contribute immediately on special teams and develop into a starting safety. His physical style of play and football intelligence made him a desirable option for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.
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