Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Tony Staten () - 1986 NFL Draft Pick #174 by DET

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Tony Staten (1986 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
- Name: Tony Staten
- Position: Linebacker
- College: University of Minnesota

Strengths:

• Athleticism: Staten demonstrated excellent speed and agility, making him a sideline-to-sideline defender.
• Tackling: Known for his hard-hitting style, he was a reliable tackler who could bring down ball carriers effectively.
• Football IQ: Staten exhibited a strong understanding of defensive schemes and was adept at reading plays.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his dedication to training and improvement, often seen as a leader on and off the field.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Staten had a few minor injuries during college that raised concerns about his durability in the NFL.
• Coverage Skills: While competent, his pass coverage abilities were considered an area in need of improvement.
• Size: At 6'1" and 225 lbs, some scouts questioned whether he had the ideal size for a linebacker at the professional level.

Draft Projection:

Tony Staten was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 4th round of the 1986 NFL Draft, with teams looking for a versatile linebacker who could contribute to both defense and special teams.

Overall Assessment:

Staten was viewed as a high-upside prospect with the potential to develop into a starting linebacker in the NFL. His combination of athleticism and work ethic made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their defensive unit.