Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jerris McPhail (East Carolina) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #134 by MIA

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Pre-Draft Analysis: Jerris McPhail (1996 NFL Draft)

College: East Carolina University
Position: Running Back

Overview

Jerris McPhail emerged from East Carolina as a promising running back prospect for the 1996 NFL Draft. Known for his speed and agility, McPhail had a standout college career that put him on the radar of NFL scouts.

Strengths

• Speed: McPhail showcased impressive straight-line speed, allowing him to break away from defenders and turn short gains into big plays.
• Vision: He displayed good field vision, enabling him to find running lanes and make quick decisions in traffic.
• Receiving Ability: McPhail was adept at catching passes out of the backfield, offering versatility as a dual-threat running back.
• Durability: He had a relatively healthy college career, which was a positive sign for teams considering him in the draft.

Weaknesses

• Size: At around 5'9" and 190 lbs, some scouts were concerned about his ability to handle the physical demands of the NFL.
• Blocking Skills: McPhail needed to improve his pass protection techniques, as this could limit his playing time on third downs.

Draft Projection

McPhail was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft. His combination of speed and ability to catch the ball made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their backfield with a change-of-pace back.

Conclusion

Jerris McPhail's performance at East Carolina, characterized by dynamic plays and strong production, made him a notable prospect entering the 1996 NFL Draft. While he had some areas to improve, his potential as a versatile running back drew interest from several NFL teams.