Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Antoine Bethea (Howard) - 2006 NFL Draft Pick #207 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Antoine Bethea - 2006 NFL Draft

College: Howard University
Position: Safety

Overview

Antoine Bethea was a standout player at Howard University, showcasing his skills as a safety. Known for his intelligence on the field and strong work ethic, Bethea caught the attention of NFL scouts despite coming from a smaller program.

Strengths

• Instincts: Bethea demonstrated excellent field awareness, often being in the right place at the right time to make plays.
• Tackling: He was known for his sure tackling ability, rarely missing opportunities to bring down ball carriers.
• Coverage Skills: Bethea showed versatility in coverage, being able to match up against both tight ends and wide receivers.
• Leadership: As a team captain, he exhibited strong leadership qualities and was respected by teammates and coaches alike.

Weaknesses

• Competition Level: Some scouts questioned how well his skills would translate to the NFL given the lower competition level at Howard.
• Size: At around 5'11" and 205 pounds, there were concerns about his size against larger NFL players.

Projection

Bethea was projected to be selected in the later rounds of the draft. His combination of skills and intangibles made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for depth at the safety position. Analysts believed that with proper coaching and development, he could become a reliable starter in the NFL.

Conclusion

Antoine Bethea was seen as a solid prospect with the potential to exceed expectations in the NFL. His work ethic and football IQ were key factors that made him an appealing choice for teams looking to bolster their secondary in the 2006 NFL Draft.