As April approaches we are going to hear a lot about the draft stock of the various prospects. The combine, workouts, and interviews will shape NFL team Big Boards as well as impact things like mock drafts. One position that always gets a lot of attention is offensive tackle with one being selecting in the top 10 in every draft since 2006. This year there is a lot of speculation about none of the prospects being worthy of a top 10 pick. However, I would argue that USC tackle Tyron Smith is more than worthy of a top 10 pick. There are several question marks about this prospect but as the draft approaches I expect him to continue his rise up draft boards.
Why Tyron Smith should be taken in the top 10
The biggest concern right now is Smith’s lack of bulk which automatically leads people to believe he lacks strength. However, after watching several games I am convinced that he has very good playing strength and ability to anchor through contact. After the jump I am going to get into my top 3 reasons why I would select Smith in the top 10; also be sure to check out Dan Kadar’s scouting report HERE.
1. Technique
- After watching several games and several prospects I feel comfortable saying that Smith is the most technically sound tackle in this draft class. He quickly gets out of his stance into his set while keeping balance. Smith keeps his feet underneath him and takes balanced steps. He completely avoids wasted hand motion and keeps them out in front where he can punch and recoil quickly. Smith is a natural bender that sits and anchors into his stance after contact. His technique and balance allow him to maintain leverage and hold strong at the point of attack. In the run game, he fires off the football and gets inside hands. Smith keeps his legs moving with a nasty streak to finish off the play. But his leverage is what makes him an effective run blocker because he is able to get his head under the defender and push him off the football. Overall, he doesn’t need much work on his technique and that is why I have no concerns about his lack of bulk.
2. Potential
- Smith is a silky smooth athlete with tremendous upside. He is a former tight end with quick feet and superb balance. His quick feet allow him to adjust to counter-moves employed by the rusher. At 6’5 291lbs he has the frame to add extra bulk and not impact his athletic ability. I want to note that Smith just turned 20 years old which means that he still has time to fill out and grow into his frame. The NFL loves guys with upside and Smith is oozing with potential.
3. Position Value
- I touched on this a little in the intro and fully believe that offensive tackle is among the most important positions in the NFL. I am sure everyone has heard that the NFL continues to move to more of a passing league and in order to be successful you need a star quarterback and someone to protect him.
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