Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Bennie Blades (College Stats) - 1988 NFL Draft Pick #3 by DET

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Bennie Blades - 1988 NFL Draft

Player Overview:

Bennie Blades was a standout safety from the University of Miami, known for his hard-hitting style and playmaking ability in the secondary. His college career was marked by impressive statistics and significant contributions to his team's defense.

College Stats:

• Position: Safety
• College: University of Miami
• Years Active: 1985-1987
• Tackles: 250+
• Interceptions: 10
• Forced Fumbles: 5
• Notable Achievements:
  • Consensus All-American (1987)
  • Part of National Championship team (1987)

Strengths:

• Exceptional tackling ability - Known for his aggressive style and ability to bring down ball carriers.
• Ball skills - Demonstrated ability to intercept passes and create turnovers.
• Football IQ - Strong understanding of defensive schemes and ability to read opposing offenses.
• Versatility - Capable of playing both safety positions and has experience in man and zone coverage.

Areas for Improvement:

• Coverage Skills - While effective in run support, there were questions about his ability to cover faster, more athletic receivers in one-on-one situations.
• Injury History - Had some minor injuries during college that raised concerns about durability at the next level.

Projected Draft Position:

Expected to be one of the first defensive backs selected in the 1988 NFL Draft, with potential to go in the top 10 picks due to his skill set and impact potential in the NFL.

Conclusion:

Bennie Blades was regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the 1988 NFL Draft. His combination of physicality, playmaking ability, and football intelligence made him a coveted player for teams looking to bolster their secondary.