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NFL Draft Profile: OL Andre SmithBy By Jeff FalconioSaturday, April 25th: 2009 National Football League Draft Andre Smith is the most intriguing draft prospect of 2009. He is a high-risk, high-reward type player with the physical ability to be dominant but he also carries with him enough red flags to potentially be a bust. Smith anchored Alabama’s powerful offensive line with his massive size. At 6’4”, 332 lbs., Smith could be seen from the top row of Bryant-Denny Stadium. His massive frame makes him an ideal run blocker but here’s the first of Smith’s weaknesses: he has trouble keeping his weight down and that in turn causes him to lose some quickness in pass protection. Still, Smith was impressive enough to win the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top lineman and was named first team All-American.
Alabama suspended Smith due to improper contact with an agent. Smith didn’t do himself any favors by showing up to the Scouting Combine in February out of shape, then blowing off the combine altogether. Those two incidents raise eyebrows around the NFL but Smith has never gotten in trouble with the law. The character issue for Smith is one of discipline. Can he keep his weight at a reasonable level and can he be effective on every play? There were times when Smith lapsed in 2008. Andre Smith was the premiere offensive tackle in college football in 2008. The Packers have two aging tackles and can use a cornerstone player like Smith, who could be a fixture for the next ten years. Taking Smith ninth overall would not only fill a need but with his ability Smith could very well be the best available player. The question is, will he be able to play to his stratospheric potential or will his sometimes-sloppy nature both on and off the field lead him to a mediocre career? |
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