Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Neil Rackers (Illinois) - 2000 NFL Draft Pick #169 by CIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Neil Rackers - 2000 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
Neil Rackers
College: University of Illinois
Position: Kicker
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)

Strengths:

• Strong Leg: Rackers demonstrated an impressive kicking range during his college career, capable of making field goals from 50 yards and beyond.
• Consistent Performance: Throughout his time at Illinois, Rackers showed reliability in high-pressure situations, often performing well in crucial games.
• Kickoff Ability: He had a strong kickoff leg, allowing for deep kickoffs that could limit return opportunities for opposing teams.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: While he had moments of brilliance, Rackers also struggled with consistency during his college career, particularly in longer field goals.
• Limited Experience: As a kicker, he had fewer opportunities in college to showcase his skills in various game situations compared to other positions.

Overall Assessment:

Neil Rackers was considered one of the top kicking prospects in the 2000 NFL Draft. His combination of power and accuracy made him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking to upgrade their kicking game. However, concerns about his consistency and experience could impact his draft stock. Many analysts believed that with proper coaching at the professional level, he could develop into a reliable kicker in the league.

Projected Draft Round:

Most analysts projected Neil Rackers to be selected in the 4th to 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft, based on his skill set and the need for teams to fill their special teams positions.