Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Cory Bird (Virginia Tech) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #91 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Cory Bird - 2001 NFL Draft

Player Overview:
Cory Bird, a standout defensive back from Virginia Tech, was known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. During his college career, he demonstrated strong coverage skills and an ability to contribute on special teams. Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Bird possesses excellent speed which allows him to cover ground quickly and keep up with fast receivers.
• Physicality: He plays with a physical edge, often making big hits and being aggressive in run support.
• Ball Skills: Bird has a knack for finding the ball, evidenced by his ability to intercept passes and create turnovers.
• Versatility: He can play both cornerback and safety, providing teams with flexibility in their defensive schemes.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: While Bird has flashes of brilliance, he needs to improve his consistency in coverage, especially against elite receivers.
• Tackling Technique: He tends to throw his body into tackles rather than using proper form, which can lead to missed tackles.
• Football IQ: Needs to work on reading plays and recognizing offensive schemes more quickly.

Projected Draft Position:
Cory Bird was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2001 NFL Draft, likely due to his physical attributes and potential rather than established performance metrics. Conclusion:
Cory Bird's blend of speed, physicality, and versatility made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary. If he could refine his technique and improve his consistency, he could become a valuable contributor at the professional level.