Defensive End/Rush Linebacker

Missouri

6-4 263

Draft board overall prospect rank: #17

Draft board overall defensive end rank: #6

Overall rating: 87 (1st)

40 time: 4.74

4/23/11: Aldon Smith is an athletic freak who is on the rise as a draft prospect. His measurables may not make him look like an athletic freak, but on the field, it’s clear. He can run, he’s strong, and he’s fluid. He’s got 35 and 3/8 inch arms. His athleticism often gets him compared to Jason Pierre Paul who went 15^th to the Giants last year. Though athletically they are comparable, I don’t like that comparison.

Jason Pierre Paul was extremely raw coming off of school. He had dominated on the junior college level, but had yet to come close to dominating on the college level at South Florida. Aldon Smith has an impressive track record in college for his age. He’s just a redshirt sophomore coming out, but he had 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss in 2009 as a redshirt freshman. His production took a hit this past season with only 6 sacks, but injuries take the blame for that. He missed 3 games with injury and wasn’t right for half the season. Given that, 6 sacks is pretty impressive. Remember, that’s exactly how many JPP had in his only year of NCAA Division-I college football.

I’m not saying Smith isn’t raw, but he’s got a track record. He needs to become more one dimensional. He’s pretty weak against the run, though experts predict that he can play in the high 270s, low 280s and still maintain his athleticism. This, of course, would only happen if he played in a 4-3. I think he has the athleticism and fluidity to play in a 3-4. He might take some time to transition because it’s a new scheme for him and he hasn’t rushed from a standing position before, or done much in coverage, I think he projects well there long term athletically.

As a pass rusher, he’s tough to block. He’s got an amazing first step, a strong motor, and a good amount of pass rushing moves. He also showed toughness, only missing 3 games with a broken leg this year. Scouts love when kids play through injury and I’m not different. It shows he’s a team player and he loves the game.

NFL Comparison: Will Smith