Penn State offensive tackle Donovan Smith will join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Smith has been projected to make the move to guard by scouts this year due to his frame and his athletic range, so it will be interesting to see where his new team chooses to use him. With Jameis Winston going to the Bucs with the No. 1 overall pick, Smith will be in charge of protecting the new quarterback.
NFL Draft picks 2015: Donovan Smith selected by Buccaneers
Donovan Smith went at No. 34 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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At 6’6 and 338 pounds, Smith has the size to be an effective lineman. Scouts have noted his solid strength that he often uses to drive defenders off the spot, as well as solid footwork in the run game and ability to perform well on playside zone plays.
Smith missed two games in 2014 due to injury, though he started 31 games as left tackle for Penn State throughout his career. He chose to go into the NFL Draft this year, despite having a year of eligibility left in the collegiate ranks and graduated with a degree in criminology.
Smith had a solid day at the NFL Combine, putting up 26 reps on the bench press as well as a 4.79 20-yard shuffle. His 40-yard dash came in a bit slow at 5.27 seconds, a time he improved on during the Penn State pro day with runs of 4.98 and 5.03 seconds.
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