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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Montee Ball (Wisconsin) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #58 by DEN

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Montee Ball (2013 NFL Draft)

College: University of Wisconsin

Position: Running Back

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 214 lbs

Overview

Montee Ball was a standout running back at the University of Wisconsin, known for his powerful running style and ability to find the end zone. He finished his college career with impressive stats that put him among the top running backs in college football history.

Strengths

  • Vision: Ball displayed exceptional vision and patience, allowing him to find running lanes effectively.
  • Power: He possessed a strong lower body, making him difficult to tackle and able to gain yards after contact.
  • Durability: Throughout his college career, he demonstrated a consistent ability to handle a heavy workload, contributing to his team's success.
  • Touchdowns: Ball had a remarkable ability to score, finishing with numerous rushing touchdowns, which highlighted his knack for finding the end zone.

Weaknesses

  • Speed: While effective, he lacked elite breakaway speed that could separate him from defenders at the NFL level.
  • Pass Protection: There were concerns regarding his ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback in passing situations.
  • Injury History: Ball had some injury concerns that could affect his draft stock and durability in the NFL.

Overall Assessment

Montee Ball was projected to be one of the top running backs in the 2013 NFL Draft. His production at Wisconsin, combined with his physical running style, made him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a reliable ball-carrier. While there were questions regarding his speed and ability to adapt to the NFL's physical demands, his upside as a starting running back was evident.

Montee Ball was viewed as a solid prospect with the potential to contribute immediately at the professional level, especially in a run-heavy offensive scheme.