Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Hugh Thornton (Illinois) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #86 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Hugh Thornton - 2013 NFL Draft

Player Overview:

Hugh Thornton was an offensive lineman from the University of Illinois, known for his versatility and strength on the field. He was considered a solid prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, particularly for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.

Strengths:

• Versatile Positioning: Thornton demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, making him a valuable asset for teams in need of flexibility.
• Physicality: He possessed a powerful frame and was known for his strength in both pass protection and run blocking.
• Experience: With multiple starts in college, Thornton had the experience to handle the pressures of the NFL.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his work ethic and willingness to improve, indicating a player who could develop further at the professional level.

Weaknesses:

• Technique Issues: While strong, Thornton showed some inconsistency with his hand placement and footwork, which could be exploited by faster defenders in the NFL.
• Injury Concerns: There were some injury concerns from his college career that raised red flags for potential teams.
• Limited Athleticism: While he was strong, he lacked the elite athleticism that some other offensive linemen in the draft possessed.

Projected Draft Position:

Thornton was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft, with some analysts considering him a potential developmental player who could become a starter with time and coaching.

Overall Assessment:

Hugh Thornton was viewed as a solid offensive line prospect with the potential to contribute at the next level, particularly for teams that valued physicality and versatility in their linemen. His development would depend on improving his technique and adapting to the speed of the NFL.