Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Ken Blackman (Illinois) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #69 by CIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Ken Blackman (1996 NFL Draft)

College: University of Illinois
Position: Defensive Back

Overview:

Ken Blackman emerged as a standout defensive back during his time at the University of Illinois. Known for his athleticism and football IQ, Blackman was projected as a solid prospect heading into the 1996 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Blackman showcased impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays on the ball.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated excellent ball-tracking abilities, resulting in multiple interceptions during his college career.
• Tackling: Known for his physical tackling style, Blackman was not afraid to come up and support the run defense.
• Experience: With several years as a starter, he brought valuable experience to the position, having faced top-tier college competition.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: At times, Blackman struggled with consistency in coverage, which could be a concern at the next level.
• Technical Skills: Improving his technique in man-to-man coverage could enhance his effectiveness against NFL receivers.
• Injury History: There were some concerns regarding his injury history, which could impact his draft stock.

Draft Projection:

Ken Blackman was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft. His potential for development and ability to contribute on special teams made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary depth.

Conclusion:

With a combination of speed, athleticism, and experience, Ken Blackman was an intriguing prospect who had the potential to make an impact in the NFL. Teams would need to weigh his strengths against his inconsistencies and injury concerns when considering him in the draft.