Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Michael Waddell (North Carolina) - 2004 NFL Draft Pick #124 by TEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Michael Waddell (2004 NFL Draft)

College: University of North Carolina

Position: Cornerback

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 185 lbs

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Waddell showcased impressive speed, making him a threat in coverage and a solid contributor on special teams.
• Ball Skills: He had a knack for making plays on the ball, demonstrating good hands and the ability to create turnovers.
• Competitive Nature: Waddell was known for his competitive spirit and tenacity on the field, often stepping up in big moments.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'10", he lacked the ideal height that many NFL teams prefer for cornerbacks, which could limit his matchups against taller receivers.
• Consistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were games where his performance was inconsistent, leading to questions about his reliability.
• Tackling: Waddell sometimes struggled with tackling, particularly against larger running backs, which could be a concern in the NFL.

Overall Analysis:

Michael Waddell entered the 2004 NFL Draft as a player with considerable upside due to his speed and playmaking ability. Scouts believed that his skills could translate well to the professional level, especially in a nickel or dime cornerback role. While his size was seen as a potential drawback, his competitive nature and ability to make plays on the ball made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Teams valuing speed and ball-hawking ability in their defensive backs would likely consider Waddell a valuable addition to their roster. His potential as a special teams player also added to his appeal, providing versatility to whoever drafted him.