Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

George Thornton () - 1991 NFL Draft Pick #36 by SDG

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for George Thornton (1991 NFL Draft)

Position: Defensive Tackle
College: University of Maryland

Overview:

George Thornton was regarded as one of the more promising defensive tackles heading into the 1991 NFL Draft. His performance at the collegiate level, combined with his physical attributes, made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive lines.

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 290 lbs
• Strength: Known for his powerful lower body, which allowed him to hold his ground against double teams.
• Speed: While not the fastest player, his quickness off the line was impressive for a player of his size.

Collegiate Performance:

• Had a standout career at the University of Maryland, culminating in a senior year where he was a key contributor on a defense that excelled in stopping the run.
• Recorded numerous tackles for loss and was known for his ability to penetrate the backfield.
• Demonstrated solid pass-rushing skills, making him a versatile option for defensive schemes.

Strengths:

• Strong run defender with the ability to clog running lanes.
• Good awareness and instincts for reading plays, allowing him to react quickly.
• Effective in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency in technique; needs to refine his hand usage to disengage from blockers more effectively.
• Conditioning issues at times, which could affect his performance late in games.

Draft Projection:

George Thornton was projected to be a mid-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft. Teams valued his potential to develop into a solid starter, especially for franchises looking to strengthen their defensive front. His college performance and physical traits made him a desirable choice for teams in need of interior defensive linemen.

Conclusion:

George Thornton was seen as a player with a high ceiling due to his combination of size, strength, and collegiate production. With the right coaching and development, he had the potential to become a significant contributor at the professional level.