Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Merril Hoge () - 1987 NFL Draft Pick #261 by PIT

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Merril Hoge - 1987 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Merril Hoge
• Position: Running Back
• College: Idaho State University

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Hoge was known for his ability to run effectively between the tackles while also having the agility to catch passes out of the backfield.
• Work Ethic: His dedication to training and preparation was widely praised, indicating a strong commitment to improving his game.
• Football IQ: Hoge demonstrated a solid understanding of offensive schemes and was capable of reading defenses, allowing him to make quick decisions on the field.

Weaknesses:

• Injury Concerns: Throughout his college career, Hoge faced some injuries that raised questions about his durability at the professional level.
• Speed: While he possessed good vision, critics noted that he lacked elite top-end speed compared to other running back prospects.

Overall Assessment:

Merril Hoge was viewed as a reliable, hard-nosed running back with the potential to contribute in various roles within an NFL offense. While there were some concerns regarding his speed and injury history, his work ethic and understanding of the game made him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a dependable player in the backfield.

Projected Draft Round:

• 2nd to 4th Round