Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

LaDainian Tomlinson HOF (TCU) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #5 by SDG


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for LaDainian Tomlinson (2001 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

  • Name: LaDainian Tomlinson
  • College: Texas Christian University (TCU)
  • Position: Running Back
  • Height: 5'10"
  • Weight: 221 lbs

Overview:

LaDainian Tomlinson was considered one of the top prospects in the 2001 NFL Draft after a standout college career at TCU. Known for his incredible agility, vision, and ability to break tackles, Tomlinson was a dynamic playmaker who could contribute both in the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield.

Strengths:

  • Speed and Agility: Tomlinson showcased impressive speed, able to accelerate quickly through holes and evade defenders.
  • Vision: His ability to read defenses and find running lanes was exceptional, allowing him to maximize yardage on plays.
  • Versatility: Capable of catching passes, he was a dual-threat player, making him a valuable asset in both rushing and passing offenses.
  • Durability: Throughout his college career, Tomlinson demonstrated a strong ability to withstand the rigors of being a feature back.

Weaknesses:

  • Competition Level: Some scouts questioned how his performance would translate to the NFL, given that TCU did not play in a major conference.
  • Blocking Skills: While effective as a runner and receiver, there were concerns regarding his pass protection skills, which are crucial for NFL running backs.

Draft Projection:

Tomlinson was projected to be a top-5 pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, with many analysts predicting he would be the first running back off the board. His combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him an enticing option for teams in need of a franchise running back.

Conclusion:

LaDainian Tomlinson was viewed as a generational talent at the running back position, with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His work ethic, combined with his natural abilities, set the stage for what would become a Hall of Fame career.

Hello!

I have been compiling Football Data for years to help me dominate my Fantasy Football and PickEm Leagues. I see so many frustrated people out there struggling to find the data they were looking for, so I decided to start making this available to others.

I specialize in making information easy to get to in simple formats, that get you the information you need FAST.

If you find this useful, please help this website grow by telling your friends or posting a link.