Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Eric Westmoreland (Tennessee) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #73 by JAX

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Eric Westmoreland

Player Position: Linebacker
College: University of Tennessee
Draft Year: 2001

Overview

Eric Westmoreland was a standout linebacker during his time at the University of Tennessee. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, he was a key contributor to the Volunteers' defense.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Westmoreland exhibited impressive speed for a linebacker, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline to sideline.
• Tackling Ability: He was known for his strong tackling skills, rarely missing opportunities to bring down ball carriers.
• Football IQ: Westmoreland demonstrated a solid understanding of defensive schemes and the ability to read plays effectively.
• Leadership: As a team captain, he displayed leadership qualities that helped motivate his teammates on and off the field.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 6'1" and around 230 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he had the size to compete against larger NFL running backs and tight ends.
• Consistency: There were times during games when he struggled with consistency in his performance, particularly in coverage situations.

Projected Draft Position

Eric Westmoreland was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2001 NFL Draft. His athleticism and performance at the collegiate level made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.

Conclusion

Eric Westmoreland was viewed as a solid linebacker with the potential to contribute on special teams and eventually develop into a starting role. His combination of speed, tackling ability, and football knowledge made him a player to watch heading into the draft.