DeMarcus Ware
LB, Troy · 2005 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #11 (DAL)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 178 of ~192 possible regular-season games from 2005 through 2016 (~93%). Last NFL season: 2016.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #31 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#11).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Troy: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.56 40-yard dash at 251 lbs: faster than 80% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 178 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 11 |
| Pro Bowls | 9 |
| First-team All-Pro | 4 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 100 |
| Defense | 505 tackles, 138.5 sacks, 3 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2016 |
The 2005 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2005 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 251 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.56 s |
| Bench press | 27 reps |
| Vertical | 38.5" |
| Broad jump | 122" |
| 3-cone | 6.83 s |
| Shuttle | 4.07 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #31 overall (#6 LB) |
Picked around him 2005 redraft
| 8 | Antrel Rolle | redraft #17 |
| 9 | Carlos Rogers | redraft #30 |
| 10 | Mike Williams | redraft #110 |
| 12 | Shawne Merriman | redraft #39 |
| 13 | Jammal Brown | redraft #24 |
| 14 | Thomas Davis | redraft #8 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.