Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Shane Walton (Notre Dame) - 2003 NFL Draft Pick #170 by STL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Shane Walton - 2003 NFL Draft

College: Notre Dame

• Position: Defensive Back
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 200 lbs

Strengths:

• Ball Skills: Walton demonstrated exceptional ball-hawking ability during his college career, recording multiple interceptions and breakups.
• Intelligence: He was known for his football IQ, often reading the quarterback's eyes and anticipating plays before they developed.
• Versatility: Walton was capable of playing both cornerback and safety, providing valuable flexibility for defensive schemes.
• Tackling: He showed solid tackling skills, effectively bringing down ball carriers and supporting the run defense.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While athletic, Walton lacked elite straight-line speed, which could be a concern against faster receivers in the NFL.
• Size: At 6'0", he was on the smaller side for a safety, which might limit his effectiveness against larger, physical receivers.
• Injury History: There were concerns regarding his durability due to past injuries that could affect his long-term viability in the league.

Overall Assessment:

Shane Walton was regarded as a talented defensive back with a high football IQ and the ability to make plays on the ball. His versatility to play multiple positions made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary. However, concerns about his speed and size, along with injury history, led to questions about how well he would translate to the professional level.

Walton had the potential to be a solid contributor on special teams and as a situational player in a defensive back rotation, especially for teams that valued intelligence and instinct over pure athleticism.