Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dana Howard (Illinois) - 1995 NFL Draft Pick #168 by DAL

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Dana Howard - 1995 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Dana Howard
• College: University of Illinois
• Position: Linebacker

Overview:

Dana Howard was a standout linebacker at the University of Illinois, known for his exceptional tackling ability, instincts on the field, and leadership qualities. He was a key player for the Fighting Illini, earning accolades and recognition for his performance throughout his college career.

Strengths:

• Exceptional tackling skills with a high tackling efficiency.
• Great instincts and ability to read plays, allowing him to react quickly.
• Strong leadership qualities; known for his work ethic and discipline on and off the field.
• Good sideline-to-sideline range, making him effective against both the run and pass.
• Proven track record as a playmaker, frequently forcing turnovers and making big plays.

Weaknesses:

• Size concerns; may be undersized for some NFL linebacker positions.
• May struggle against larger, more powerful offensive linemen.
• Possibly limited in coverage skills compared to other top-tier linebackers.

Projected Draft Position:

As a consensus All-American and winner of the Butkus Award, Dana Howard was projected to be selected in the early to mid rounds of the 1995 NFL Draft. His performance in college and potential for development made him an attractive option for several teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.

Conclusion:

With his combination of skills, work ethic, and proven performance in college, Dana Howard was seen as a promising prospect who could make an immediate impact in the NFL, particularly for teams in need of a reliable linebacker who could thrive in a 4-3 defensive scheme.