Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Michael Boley (Southern Miss) - 2005 NFL Draft Pick #160 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Michael Boley - 2005 NFL Draft

College: Southern Miss
Position: Linebacker

Overview:

Michael Boley was regarded as a versatile linebacker coming out of Southern Miss, showcasing a combination of speed, athleticism, and instincts on the field. His performance in college established him as a promising prospect for the NFL.

Strengths:

• Speed and Athleticism: Boley possessed impressive speed for a linebacker, allowing him to cover ground quickly and pursue ball carriers effectively.
• Versatility: He was capable of playing multiple linebacker positions, showcasing adaptability to different defensive schemes.
• Instincts: Boley demonstrated strong football instincts, often reading plays and reacting quickly to offensive schemes.
• Coverage Skills: His ability to drop back into coverage made him a valuable asset in pass defense, especially against tight ends and running backs.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At around 6'2" and 220 pounds, some scouts felt he could struggle against bigger, more physical offensive players.
• Experience: While he had a solid college career, there were concerns about his level of competition in Conference USA compared to other higher-profile programs.

Draft Projection:

Michael Boley was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2005 NFL Draft. Teams looking for depth at linebacker and a player with special teams potential would have found him appealing due to his athleticism and work ethic.

Conclusion:

Michael Boley was seen as a potential sleeper pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, instincts, and versatility made him a candidate for development at the professional level, with the possibility of emerging as a starting linebacker in the future.