Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith may be the player to make a name for himself during the offseason process.
The junior entered the 2011 NFL Draft Friday after the NFL Draft Advisory Committee gave Smith a second-round grade. Smith hopes to improve his stock and get picked in the first round.
Missouri’s Aldon Smith could be offseason NFL Draft riser
The second-round grade likely came because Smith was slowed during the season due to a broken bone in his leg.
In 10 games this season, Smith had 48 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. It was his sophomore season that caused people to take notice. In 2009, Smith had 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.
He has a good burst off the line and uses his long arms to keep linemen out of his frame. Smith also plays with a lot of intensity and routinely gives a great effort.
Smith has to get stronger for the NFL as he sometimes has trouble working to the inside. When he doesn’t win with his first move, he doesn’t always have the power to beat linemen.
Right now, Smith may not have the size to regularly hold the end in a 4-3 but he should get stronger leading up to the combine. If he does he’ll rise up draft boards and get his wish of being picked in the first round.
See More:
