Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Ryan Thelwell (Minnesota) - 1998 NFL Draft Pick #215 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Ryan Thelwell - 1998 NFL Draft

College: University of Minnesota

Position: Wide Receiver

Overview

Ryan Thelwell was a notable prospect entering the 1998 NFL Draft. Known for his speed and athleticism, he had a productive career at the University of Minnesota that showcased his potential as a wide receiver at the professional level.

Strengths

• Speed: Thelwell possessed excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to stretch the field and create separation from defenders.
• Route Running: He displayed good route-running skills, able to change direction quickly and effectively, which made him a threat on short and intermediate routes.
• Size: Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 200 pounds, Thelwell had the physical attributes that teams look for in a wide receiver.
• Hands: He was known for having reliable hands, able to make difficult catches in traffic.

Weaknesses

• Consistency: There were concerns about his consistency in production during his college career, with some games showing flashes of brilliance while others were lackluster.
• Blocking: While he was a capable receiver, his blocking skills were sometimes questioned, which could limit his effectiveness in run-heavy offenses.

Draft Projection

Thelwell was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1998 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and college production made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

Conclusion

Ryan Thelwell entered the 1998 NFL Draft as a promising wide receiver with the potential to develop into a reliable contributor at the next level. Teams would be looking closely at his physical attributes and college performance to determine his fit in their offensive schemes.