Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Darnell Autry (Northwestern) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #105 by CHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Darnell Autry - 1997 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Darnell Autry
• College: Northwestern University
• Position: Running Back
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 220 lbs

Overview:

Darnell Autry emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football during his time at Northwestern. Known for his combination of size, speed, and agility, Autry played a pivotal role in leading the Wildcats to national prominence in the mid-1990s.

Strengths:

• Strong and physical runner capable of breaking tackles.
• Good speed and acceleration, making him a threat on outside runs.
• Excellent vision and patience, allowing him to find running lanes effectively.
• Demonstrated ability as a receiver out of the backfield, providing versatility.
• Proven track record of success in high-pressure situations, particularly during Northwestern's successful 1995 season.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent ball security; needs to improve on holding onto the football.
• Durability concerns due to heavy college workload.
• Limited experience in pass protection, which could hinder early playing time in the NFL.

Draft Projection:

As a highly regarded running back coming out of college, Autry was projected to be selected in the early rounds of the 1997 NFL Draft. Teams were particularly interested in his potential impact as a starting running back, given his impressive collegiate career and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Conclusion:

Darnell Autry was seen as a promising talent with a bright future in the NFL. His combination of skills made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their backfield. With the right development and coaching, he had the potential to become a significant contributor at the professional level.