RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Mario Bates (Arizona St.) - 1994 NFL Draft Pick #44 by NO

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Mario Bates - 1994 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
  • Name: Mario Bates
  • College: Arizona State University
  • Position: Running Back
Overview:
Mario Bates was a prominent running back at Arizona State, showcasing a combination of speed, agility, and power that made him an intriguing prospect for the NFL. By the time the 1994 NFL Draft approached, Bates had established himself as a key player in college football, earning accolades and attention from scouts nationwide. Strengths:
  • Speed: Bates possessed excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to break away from defenders.
  • Vision: He demonstrated superior field vision, enabling him to navigate through traffic and find running lanes.
  • Receiving Ability: Bates was versatile, capable of contributing in the passing game as a reliable receiver out of the backfield.
  • Durability: Throughout his college career, he showcased a solid ability to withstand the rigors of a high-volume workload.
Areas for Improvement:
  • Blocking Skills: Bates needed to enhance his pass-blocking techniques to be effective in the NFL.
  • Consistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where his production dipped, raising concerns about consistency.
Projected Draft Position:
Mario Bates was projected to be selected in the early to mid-rounds of the 1994 NFL Draft. His combination of talent and potential made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their backfield with a dynamic running back. Conclusion:
As the 1994 NFL Draft approached, Mario Bates was viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to develop into a starting running back at the professional level. Teams were intrigued by his skill set, and many believed he could make an immediate impact in the right offensive system.