Scouting Report
It's taken
me awhile, but I've come around to the idea that Smith is the best tackle
prospect in this draft, and it's because he's so different than players like
Michael Oher and Andre' Smith. The future of offensive tackles, in a
league that is throwing more and more is the super athletic left tackle, who is
rarely out of position, has picture perfect footwork, never misses a blocking
assignment, and it able to use their hands and leverage to keep defenders off
their quarterback. That's Jason Smith in a nutshell. As I watch
Smith I can see that he's a smart kid, works hard on his body and his game, and
shows far more potential than any other tackle in the draft. His
athleticism is best showcased I think, in his ability to pull and get out and to
the second level. Now don't get me wrong, Smith played in a funky offense,
that didn't call on him to do a ton of down run blocking, so that's something we
have yet to see out of him, and his lack of bulk does get him caught on his
heels at times against much bigger stronger players, but for the most part, he
can use a quick strong first punch, to slow them down, and then his technique
sets in, and he just keeps them at bay.
Draft Status
Smith has to
be a top 5 pick at this point, replacing guys like Oher and Smith. He's
the most natural and fluid LT prospect, and his elite athleticism is something
we don't see a lot in the draft. If I were Detroit, I'd give him a long
look at No. 1, but I can't see him making it past St. Louis at 2, but if he
does, Seattle scoops him up at 4.
Reminds me of: Ryan
Clady
From the start of last year, I said Clady was the best OT in the country,
and once he was drafted, he really showed it. Not the biggest and strongest
guy in the draft, but just so technically sound, and so athletic, he was all but
impossible to get past. Smith is that type of player.
