Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Steve Bates () - 1990 NFL Draft Pick #272 by RAM

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Bates (1990 NFL Draft)

Player Position: Linebacker

College: University of Nebraska

Overview

Steve Bates was a standout linebacker at the University of Nebraska, known for his exceptional tackling ability and leadership on the field. As he entered the 1990 NFL Draft, he was regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects, showcasing impressive performance throughout his college career.

Strengths

• Defensive Instincts: Bates demonstrated excellent reading of opposing offenses, often anticipating plays before they developed.
• Physicality: He was known for his hard-hitting style, making him a formidable presence in the backfield.
• Versatility: Bates was capable of playing multiple linebacker positions, which provided teams with flexibility in defensive schemes.
• Leadership: His experience as a captain at Nebraska highlighted his ability to lead and motivate teammates.

Weaknesses

• Speed: While Bates was a solid player, some scouts noted that his speed was not elite compared to other prospects in the draft.
• Injury History: There were concerns regarding a previous injury that could impact his durability at the professional level.

Draft Projection

Steve Bates was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1990 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a reliable linebacker with strong fundamentals and leadership qualities showed interest in his potential to contribute on special teams and as a rotational player on defense.

Conclusion

Steve Bates was viewed as a solid, if not spectacular, linebacker prospect. His ability to read plays, combined with his physical style of play, made him a candidate for teams seeking to bolster their linebacker corps. However, concerns about his speed and injury history tempered some of the enthusiasm surrounding his draft stock.