Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Haruki Nakamura (Cincinnati) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #206 by BAL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Haruki Nakamura - 2008 NFL Draft

College: University of Cincinnati
Position: Safety

Overview

Haruki Nakamura was known for his intelligence on the field, versatility, and strong work ethic during his time at the University of Cincinnati. As a player who demonstrated a good understanding of defensive schemes, he showcased the ability to read plays effectively and contribute to a team's secondary.

Strengths

• Football IQ: Highly regarded for his understanding of the game, Nakamura excelled in reading quarterbacks and anticipating plays.
• Versatility: Capable of playing both safety positions and contributing on special teams, making him a valuable asset for any team.
• Tackling: Showed solid tackling technique and the ability to make open-field stops, which is crucial for a defensive back.
• Work Ethic: Known for his dedication and preparation, often going the extra mile to improve his game.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 5'10" and around 200 lbs, he lacked the ideal size that many teams prefer in a safety, potentially limiting his matchups against larger receivers.
• Speed: While not slow, his straight-line speed was not elite, which could be a concern in coverage against faster receivers.
• Experience: Although he had a productive college career, some teams might have questioned his experience against elite competition.

Overall Assessment

Haruki Nakamura was considered a solid prospect in the 2008 NFL Draft, particularly for teams seeking a smart, reliable safety who could contribute both in the secondary and on special teams. His intelligence and work ethic made him a desirable candidate, but concerns about his size and speed might have impacted his draft stock. Many analysts expected him to be selected in the later rounds, where he could provide depth and potentially develop into a starting player.

Projected Draft Round

• Late Round 5 to Early Round 7