Rayna Stewart (Northern Arizona) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #143 by HOU
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Rayna Stewart - 1996 NFL Draft
Player Profile:
- Name: Rayna Stewart
- College: Northern Arizona
- Position: Safety
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 200 lbs
Overview:
Rayna Stewart was projected to be one of the more intriguing safety prospects entering the 1996 NFL Draft. Known for his physical style of play and versatility, Stewart had a successful college career at Northern Arizona, making him a prospect to watch during the draft process.
Strengths:
- Size and Athleticism: Stewart possessed ideal size for a safety, combined with good athletic ability, which allowed him to cover ground quickly.
- Physical Tackler: He was known for his toughness and ability to make solid tackles, providing a strong presence in the secondary.
- Football IQ: Demonstrated a good understanding of defensive schemes, which allowed him to read plays effectively.
- Versatility: Capable of playing both strong and free safety, giving teams flexibility in their defensive alignments.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were times when Stewart struggled with consistency in coverage.
- Speed Concerns: Although athletic, there were questions regarding his top-end speed compared to other safety prospects.
- Level of Competition: Playing at Northern Arizona, some scouts were concerned about how he would transition to the higher level of competition in the NFL.
Draft Projection:
Rayna Stewart was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a safety with experience and a strong physical presence could see him as a valuable addition to their secondary depth.
Conclusion:
Rayna Stewart was viewed as a solid safety prospect with potential. His ability to tackle and read plays would make him a candidate for special teams as well as a rotational player in the defensive backfield.