Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Vernon Crawford (Florida St.) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #159 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Vernon Crawford (1997 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Vernon Crawford
• College: Florida State University
• Position: Defensive Back
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 195 lbs

Overview:

Vernon Crawford was a standout defensive back at Florida State, known for his athleticism, ball-hawking ability, and physical play. His college career, marked by significant contributions to a highly successful FSU program, positioned him as one of the top prospects in the 1997 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Physicality: Crawford possessed a strong, physical presence on the field, making him an effective tackler and a force in run support.
• Speed and Agility: He demonstrated impressive speed and quickness, allowing him to cover ground quickly and keep up with fast receivers.
• Ball Skills: Crawford had a proven ability to make plays on the ball, with a knack for interceptions and pass deflections.
• Versatility: He had the capability to play both cornerback and safety, making him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: At times, Crawford struggled with consistency in his technique and coverage assignments, which could lead to big plays against him.
• Fundamentals: He needed to refine his footwork and backpedal, particularly in man-to-man coverage situations.

Projected Draft Position:

Vernon Crawford was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1997 NFL Draft. Analysts believed his combination of size and athletic ability would attract teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion:

Vernon Crawford's blend of physicality, speed, and playmaking ability made him an intriguing prospect heading into the 1997 NFL Draft. With some refinement in his technique, he had the potential to develop into a solid contributor at the professional level.