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

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.