Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

James Farrior (Virginia) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #8 by NYJ

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Pre-Draft Analysis for James Farrior (1997 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: James Farrior
• College: University of Virginia
• Position: Linebacker

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 240 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.7 seconds

Strengths:

• Excellent tackling ability with a strong fundamental approach.
• Demonstrated great instincts and awareness on the field, allowing him to read plays effectively.
• Versatile player capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker positions.
• Strong leadership qualities, often seen as a vocal presence on the field.

Weaknesses:

• Can struggle with coverage against faster, more agile receivers.
• At times, he relies too heavily on his instincts, leading to over-commitment on plays.

Overall Assessment:

James Farrior was regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 1997 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive units. While he had some areas for improvement, particularly in pass coverage, his ability to tackle and read the game made him a valuable asset. Many analysts believed he could develop into a reliable starter in the NFL, contributing both as a linebacker and a leader in the locker room.

Projected Draft Position:

Farrior was projected to be selected in the first to second round of the draft, with many teams showing interest in his potential to impact their defenses significantly.