Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Matt Stevens (Appalachian St.) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #87 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Matt Stevens (1996 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Matt Stevens
• College: Appalachian State University
• Position: Defensive Back

Overview:

Matt Stevens was a standout defensive back during his collegiate career at Appalachian State. Known for his athleticism, ball-hawking skills, and versatility, Stevens was a key contributor to his team's defensive unit. His performance in college garnered attention from NFL scouts leading up to the 1996 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Stevens showcased impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and stay with receivers in man-to-man coverage.
• Ball Skills: He had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his interception totals and pass deflections during his college career.
• Versatility: Stevens was capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, providing teams with flexibility in defensive schemes.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At around 5'10" and 190 pounds, Stevens lacked the ideal height for a cornerback, which could be a concern against taller receivers.
• Experience: Coming from a smaller college program, there were questions about his level of competition and how it would translate to the NFL.

Projected Draft Position:

Stevens was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft. Teams were intrigued by his potential but were cautious due to his collegiate competition level and size concerns.

Conclusion:

Matt Stevens' college performance at Appalachian State made him a noteworthy prospect heading into the 1996 NFL Draft. With his combination of skills and potential, he was expected to find a place on an NFL roster, likely contributing as a special teams player and developing into a solid defensive back over time.