Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Al Afalava (Oregon St.) - 2009 NFL Draft Pick #190 by CHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Al Afalava - 2009 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Al Afalava
• College: Oregon State University
• Position: Safety
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 210 lbs

Strengths:

• Good size and physicality for a safety, providing a solid presence in the secondary.
• Strong tackling ability, demonstrating willingness to come up and support the run.
• Experience as a starter, which reflects maturity and understanding of game situations.
• Good instincts and awareness, particularly in reading quarterbacks and recognizing plays.

Weaknesses:

• Coverage skills are inconsistent; struggles against faster receivers in man-to-man situations.
• Can be overly aggressive at times, leading to missed tackles or blown coverages.
• Needs to improve ball skills; limited interceptions during his collegiate career.

Overall Assessment:

Al Afalava entered the 2009 NFL Draft with a reputation as a tough and physical safety, capable of contributing immediately on special teams and in a backup role. His experience at Oregon State provided him with the necessary exposure to high-level competition, but teams were concerned about his coverage abilities and consistency. Coaches valued his toughness and leadership qualities, which made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary depth. While he may not have been considered a top-tier prospect, his potential for development in the right system could make him a viable player at the professional level.