Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Merton Hanks (College Stats) - 1991 NFL Draft Pick #122 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Merton Hanks - 1991 NFL Draft

Player Profile

• Name: Merton Hanks
• College: University of Iowa
• Position: Safety
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 200 lbs

College Stats

• Games Played: 41
• Tackles: 175
• Interceptions: 11
• Pass Deflections: 22
• Forced Fumbles: 3

Strengths

• Excellent Ball Skills: Hanks demonstrated a keen ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball, evident in his impressive interception total.
• Versatile Defender: Played both strong and free safety positions, showcasing his adaptability to various defensive schemes.
• Physicality: Known for his aggressive tackling style and ability to deliver big hits, making him a threat in run support.
• Leadership: Regarded as a team leader at Iowa, often praised for his work ethic and ability to command the secondary.

Areas of Improvement

• Coverage Skills: While strong in zone coverage, he needed to refine his man-to-man techniques to handle faster receivers at the next level.
• Injury History: Had a few minor injuries during his college career, which raised some concerns about his durability.

Draft Projection

Merton Hanks was projected to be a 2nd to 3rd round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. Teams valued his potential as a starting safety with the ability to contribute immediately on special teams.

Merton Hanks was considered one of the top safety prospects in the 1991 NFL Draft, with a compelling collegiate career that left scouts optimistic about his future in the NFL.