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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
by Jody Jamieson
23/2/2009
The Combine is a great place for a player to put their draft stock through the roof, but when you’re a consensus Top 5-10 pick, then supposedly the only way is down. Enter Jason Smith. Smith, along with Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, not only cemented a place among the Top 5, but both are now probably the Top 2 players available in the draft on most people’s board. They certainly are on mine and it will be updated soon enough. With Andre Smith going the other way and still a few doubts about Michael Oher, it’s between Smith and Eugene Monroe to be the number one tackle selected on Draft Day, and as much as I love Monroe, it looks for all the world that it’s going to be Smith that wins the head to head battle.
 I hadn’t seen enough of Smith to really have him as my number 1 tackle, but I was definitely impressed. Then I watched the Texas Tech game and Smith was unbelievable. He made it look very very easy and hardly broke a sweat while being the most dominant player on the field. His first step in pass protection is incredible and you’ve not seen too many 300 pound-plus players this light on their feet. After watching that game Smith shot up in my estimation, and the Combine did him more good than harm.
Smith has great versatility, and fits well with St Louis at #2. Of course, Detroit will definitely consider him with the first pick, but I still have the feeling they’ll go with Matthew Stafford. I hear that the Rams may not retain Orlando Pace which would be a shame, but if they did keep Pace then Smith could fit in at right tackle for a year before sliding over. A big question going into his senior year was his run blocking, but he’s shown enough over the past 6 months to know that he could be an outstanding left tackle for years to come. Baylor, who weren’t famous for rushing the ball at all in previous years, put up almost 2,000 rushing yards behind Smith and the offensive line and Smith showed his versatility and effectiveness in both phases of offense.
What we like about Smith
Phenomenal footwork with an outstanding first step and is very light on his feet. Lateral movement is great. Decent frame and could play at about 320 and still be as quick and agile as he is. Looks fabulous in pass protection and won’t lose too many one on ones. Hard worker who has an edge to his play. Very experienced and hasn’t reached his ceiling just yet. Great athlete who played a little tight end early in his college career.
Question marks about Smith
He didn’t play in a pro style offense, and spent a lot of his time at Baylor in a two point stance. Can stand people up, but doesn’t get the best push in the running game. Had a few injuries in college, including an MCL strain, which leaves questions about his durability.
Highlight of his college career
Was voted a third team All-American and also first team All-Big East in 2008.
Other snippets
6′ 5″ tall and weighed in at 309 lbs at the NFL Combine.
Only Alex Boone put up more reps of 225 than Smith’s 33.
He was the first non special teams player from the Baylor Bears to receive All-American honours since 1995.
Won’t fall past Jacksonville at #8. He’s either going to Detroit, St Louis, Cincinnati, Oakland or the Jags. I fancy him to be selected by the Rams.
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