Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Tony Driver (Notre Dame) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #178 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Tony Driver (2001 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Tony Driver
• College: Notre Dame
• Position: Safety
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 200 lbs

Overview:

Tony Driver was a standout safety at the University of Notre Dame, known for his athleticism, ball-hawking skills, and ability to read the game. His performances in college garnered attention from NFL scouts, and he entered the draft as a player with significant upside.

Strengths:

• Physicality: Driver was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to tackle effectively. His physical presence made him a key player in run support.
• Coverage Skills: He demonstrated solid coverage ability, capable of matching up against both tight ends and wide receivers.
• Intelligence: Driver showed a strong understanding of defensive schemes and was often in the right place at the right time, making him a reliable player in crucial situations.
• Versatility: He had the ability to play both free safety and strong safety, allowing teams to use him in various defensive alignments.

Weaknesses:

• Injury Concerns: Throughout his college career, Driver faced some injury issues that raised concerns about his durability at the professional level.
• Speed: While he was athletic, some scouts questioned whether he had elite speed to cover deep routes effectively in the NFL.

Draft Projection:

Driver was projected to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, primarily because of his potential and the impact he could have on a team's secondary. Teams looking for a safety with a combination of size, tackling ability, and football IQ would find Driver an appealing prospect.

Conclusion:

Tony Driver's collegiate career at Notre Dame showcased a player with the tools to succeed at the next level. His physicality and intelligence on the field made him a worthy candidate for teams aiming to bolster their defensive backfield in the 2001 NFL Draft.