RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Lovett Purnell (West Virginia) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #216 by NE

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Lovett Purnell - 1996 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

  • Name: Lovett Purnell
  • College: West Virginia University
  • Position: Defensive Back
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Weight: 190 lbs

Strengths:

  • Excellent athleticism with good speed and agility.
  • Versatile player capable of playing both cornerback and safety positions.
  • Strong awareness and instincts in coverage, able to read quarterbacks effectively.
  • Physical tackler who can support the run while also defending against the pass.
  • Experience in a competitive college conference, showcasing ability against top-tier talent.

Weaknesses:

  • Could improve on ball skills; needs to work on intercepting passes and creating turnovers.
  • Occasional issues with consistency in coverage, particularly against faster receivers.
  • Injury concerns stemming from college career may raise red flags for some teams.

Overall Assessment:

Lovett Purnell is considered one of the promising defensive backs in the 1996 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and versatility makes him an attractive prospect for teams needing depth in their secondary. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ball skills and consistency, his physical attributes and college performance suggest he can develop into a solid contributor at the next level.

Projected Draft Round: 3rd to 5th round