RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.