Draft Profile Series: Marcus Smith
- Updated: April 24, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Marcus Smith, DE/OLB, 6-3½, 251, Louisville
Key stats: Had 42 tackles, 18.5 for loss, 14.5 sacks, 3 passes defensed and 4 forced fumbles in 2013.
Strengths: Highly-productive pass rusher and is most comfortable when attacking the quarterback. … Is very adept at stripping the ball from quarterbacks. … Used to blitz and rush from different locations. … Smith is naturally gifted as a pass rusher, using his quickness and instincts to locate ball. … Has good overall instincts, and could be situational rusher early in career. … Was former quarterback, and is just scratching the surface of his potential as a defender. … Has plenty of upside.
Weaknesses: He is not great against the run, but he can improve as he adds strength and technique. Has ability to drop into coverage, but is a definite work in progress in this area. … When in zone coverage loses feel for where receivers are. … Knows how to set the edge in run game but plays a bit too high when taking on blockers. … Has trouble disengaging from blockers. … Some of his sacks were due to Louisville’s complex blitz schemes that caused confusion for opposing offensive lines.
Conclusion: Smith is a work in progress, but has all the physical ability to eventually become a good player in the NFL. … He has good size and will only get stronger. … He was used in a variety of ways at Louisville and should specialize early in his career on third downs, and in sub packages. … As he gains experience, could become a star if he continues to develop. … Best fit is as outside linebacker in 3-4, but also could fit as a 4-3 defensive end.
NFL comparison: Cameron Wake/Jerry Hughes.
Draft projection: Second or third round.
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