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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Carnell Lake () - 1989 NFL Draft Pick #34 by PIT

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Carnell Lake - 1989 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
Name: Carnell Lake
College: UCLA
Position: Defensive Back (Safety/Cornerback)
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200 lbs

Strengths:

  • Versatility: Lake demonstrated exceptional versatility, playing both safety and cornerback at UCLA. His ability to switch positions made him a valuable asset for any defense.
  • Ball Skills: Known for his excellent ball skills, Lake had a knack for making interceptions and breaking up passes, showcasing his awareness and instincts on the field.
  • Physicality: He played with a physical edge, capable of delivering hard hits while also being effective in coverage. His tackling ability was a significant aspect of his game.
  • Intelligence: Lake displayed high football IQ, understanding offensive schemes and making quick decisions, which allowed him to anticipate plays effectively.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Consistency: While Lake had flashes of brilliance, there were moments where he struggled with consistency in his performances, particularly in coverage against faster receivers.
  • Foot Speed: Concerns were raised about his straight-line speed, which could be an issue against elite wide receivers in the NFL. He needed to improve his quickness off the line.

Projected Draft Position:

Carnell Lake was projected to be selected in the 1st to 2nd round of the 1989 NFL Draft. Teams were particularly interested in his potential as a starting safety or cornerback, and his versatility could make him a valuable pick for a variety of defensive schemes.

Conclusion:

Carnell Lake was regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the 1989 NFL Draft class. His combination of skills, physicality, and intelligence made him a promising prospect, and many teams were eager to see how he would translate his college success to the professional level.