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Eric Riley (College Stats) - 1986 NFL Draft Pick #222 by DEN


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Eric Riley - 1986 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
  • Name: Eric Riley
  • College: University of Michigan
  • Position: Defensive Back

College Performance:

Eric Riley had a notable career at the University of Michigan, showcasing his skills as a versatile defensive back. His college stats demonstrated a strong ability to read the game and make impactful plays.

  • Tackles: Consistently recorded high tackle numbers, demonstrating his effectiveness in run support.
  • Interceptions: Recorded multiple interceptions, highlighting his ability to make plays on the ball.
  • Pass Deflections: Showed exceptional coverage skills, with a significant number of pass breakups.

Strengths:

  • Instincts: Excellent football instincts, allowing him to anticipate plays and react quickly.
  • Speed and Agility: Demonstrated good speed and agility, crucial for covering receivers and closing on the ball.
  • Physicality: Played with a physical edge, willing to engage in tackles and defend against the run.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Consistency: At times, Riley could be inconsistent in his coverage, which could be a concern at the professional level.
  • Technique: Needs to refine his technique in press coverage to match up against NFL-caliber receivers.

Draft Projection:

Heading into the 1986 NFL Draft, Eric Riley was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds. His combination of athleticism, experience in a strong collegiate program, and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion:

Eric Riley was regarded as a promising defensive back with the potential to contribute to an NFL team. His college performance laid a solid foundation for his transition to professional football.