Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jay Novacek (College Stats) - 1986 NFL Draft Pick #158 by STL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jay Novacek (1986 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Jay Novacek
• College: University of Wyoming
• Position: Tight End

College Stats:

• Receptions: 88
• Receiving Yards: 1,161
• Touchdowns: 9

Strengths:

• Receiving Skills: Novacek demonstrated excellent hands and route-running ability, making him a reliable target in the passing game.
• Versatility: Capable of lining up in multiple positions, he could be utilized in various offensive schemes.
• Speed: Compared to many tight ends of his time, Novacek possessed good speed that allowed him to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

Weaknesses:

• Blocking: While competent, his blocking skills were seen as a work in progress compared to elite tight ends who excelled in run blocking.
• Size: At 6'4" and 245 pounds, Novacek was slightly smaller than traditional tight ends, which could raise concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

Jay Novacek was viewed as a promising tight end prospect in the 1986 NFL Draft, with the potential to develop into a productive player at the professional level. His combination of receiving ability and speed made him an intriguing option for teams looking to enhance their passing game. While he needed to improve his blocking, his overall skill set suggested that he could become a valuable asset in the right offensive system.