Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

James Milling (College Stats) - 1988 NFL Draft Pick #278 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for James Milling - 1988 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: James Milling
• Position: Linebacker
• College: University of North Carolina
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 230 lbs

College Stats:

• Tackles: 120 (senior year)
• Sacks: 8
• Interceptions: 2
• Forced Fumbles: 3

Strengths:

• Versatile Athlete: Milling demonstrated the ability to play effectively in multiple linebacker roles, showcasing both speed and strength.
• Exceptional Tackling: He was known for his sure tackling ability and was a key player in stopping the run.
• Football IQ: Milling exhibited a strong understanding of defensive schemes and displayed leadership qualities on the field.
• Physical Presence: His size and athleticism made him a formidable opponent, able to take on blockers and shed them effectively.

Areas for Improvement:

• Coverage Skills: While he showed promise, there were concerns about his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
• Injury History: Some teams were wary of his injury history during college, which could affect his durability in the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

James Milling was considered a solid prospect heading into the 1988 NFL Draft. His combination of size, tackling ability, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. However, questions about his coverage skills and injury concerns could affect his draft stock. Most analysts projected him as a mid-round pick, with the potential for significant contributions on special teams and as a rotational linebacker.