Michael Boley
LB, Southern Miss · 2005 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #160 (ATL)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings, position, availability. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #83 overall (#5 at his position), but he lasted until pick #160: teams let him slide 77 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- 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 131 of ~144 possible regular-season games from 2005 through 2013 (~91%). Last NFL season: 2013.
- 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
Southern Miss: 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 236 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 | 131 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 8 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 41 |
| Defense | 542 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2013 |
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
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| 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' 3", 236 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.56 s |
| Vertical | 34" |
| Broad jump | 113" |
| 3-cone | 7.08 s |
| Shuttle | 4.12 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #83 overall (#5 LB) |
Picked around him 2005 redraft
| 157 | Gerald Sensabaugh | redraft #60 |
| 158 | Justin Green | redraft #191 |
| 159 | Jeb Huckeba | redraft #234 |
| 161 | Andre Maddox | redraft #235 |
| 162 | Anthony Alabi | redraft #181 |
| 163 | Frank Omiyale | redraft #94 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.