Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Hardy Nickerson (College Stats) - 1987 NFL Draft Pick #122 by PIT

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Hardy Nickerson - 1987 NFL Draft

College Stats:

• College: University of California, Berkeley
• Position: Linebacker
• Games Played: 42
• Tackles: 210
• Sacks: 4
• Interceptions: 3
• Forced Fumbles: 5

Player Overview

Hardy Nickerson was a standout linebacker at the University of California, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting player with exceptional instincts on the field. His collegiate career showcased his ability to read plays and disrupt opposing offenses.

Strengths

• Intelligence: Nickerson demonstrated a high football IQ, enabling him to anticipate plays and react quickly.
• Physicality: Known for his tough playing style, he was effective in both tackling and defending against the run.
• Leadership: As a team captain, he displayed strong leadership qualities, motivating teammates and making critical adjustments on the field.
• Versatility: He could play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset to any defensive scheme.

Weaknesses

• Speed: While effective in many areas, his straight-line speed was considered average, which could be a concern in coverage against faster receivers.
• Injury Concerns: There were minor injury issues during his college career that raised questions about his durability at the professional level.

Overall Assessment

Hardy Nickerson was projected as a solid middle-round pick in the 1987 NFL Draft. Many scouts viewed him as a reliable linebacker with the potential to develop into a starting role in the NFL. His combination of experience, leadership, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive unit.