Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Duce Staley (South Carolina) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #71 by PHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Duce Staley - 1997 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Duce Staley
• College: University of South Carolina
• Position: Running Back
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 225 lbs

Scouting Report:

• Speed: Staley possesses good speed for a running back, allowing him to break away from defenders in the open field.
• Vision: He demonstrates excellent field vision, capable of identifying running lanes and making quick cuts to maximize yardage.
• Power: Staley has a solid frame that enables him to run between the tackles effectively, showing the ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact.
• Receiving Ability: He is a versatile back who can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield, providing a dual-threat option for an offense.
• Durability: Staley has shown good durability throughout his college career, withstanding the physical demands of the position.

Strengths:

• Strong lower body, allowing for effective running through contact.
• Good ball security; he rarely fumbles and has a strong grip on the ball.
• Experience as a featured back in college, indicating he can handle a heavy workload.

Weaknesses:

• While he has decent speed, he may not have the breakaway speed of some of his peers, limiting his big-play potential.
• Inconsistent pass protection skills, which could limit his ability to stay on the field in third-down situations.

Projected Draft Round:

• Consensus projections place Staley as a mid-to-late second round pick, with potential to rise depending on team needs and individual workouts.

Overall Assessment:

Duce Staley is viewed as a well-rounded running back who can contribute immediately at the professional level. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their backfield in the 1997 NFL Draft.