Big Board ranking: #53
Positional ranking: #3
Overview
Position: S
College: Georgia
Class: Senior
Age: 22
Measurables
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 192 lbs.
Arm length: 31 1/8”
Hand size: 9 5/8”
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 4.62 sec.
10-yard split: 1.56 sec.
Vertical jump: 33.0”
Broad jump: 116.0”
Bench press: 15 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Superb play recognition and instincts. Highly intelligent and aware. Excellent movement skills in coverage. Intellect allows him to range to the sideline as a single-high safety versus downfield throws. Great ability to diagnose and react to routes as a deep zone defender. Does an exceptional job reading the quarterback’s eyes on the backend. Instant reaction time and plus acceleration. Very light on his feet. Fluid hips to turn in coverage and open vertically. Aggressive closing on throws in man coverage. Good length and uses it at the catch point. Tremendous ball skills. Takes outstanding angles to the ball-carrier in pursuit. Naturally flows to the action in run support. Will position himself to play runs on the edge. Fast while staying under control when going downhill. Strikes through opponents with a clean shot. Very reliable tackler that wraps up. Recognizes screen passes and will come up to make the tackle. Limited explosive Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt to nothing after the catch when matched up against him and allowing two underneath receptions in cushion coverage (2022). Rarely attacked and played more traditional free safety role over future top prospect Malaki Starks.
Weaknesses
Average top speed and athleticism. Lacks bulk in his frame. Tackling is less effective versus opponents that are at full speed. Lack of strength can sometimes show when ball-carriers move forward on contact.
NFL comparison
Kevin Byard
Conclusion
Overall, Smith is an intelligent free safety with the ability to play deep, cover underneath, and come up to tackle. The steadiness he provides on the backend should make him a strong target for teams early on Day 2.