Preston Smith, DE - 38th overall pick

Preston Smith, Mississippi State, #91

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand	10 Yd	40 Yd	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle	60 Yd Shuttle
6-5	271	34	10 5/8	1.63	4.78	24	34	121	7.07	4.28	11.70

Game Film Evaluated:

LSU (2014)

Texas A&M (2014)

Kentucky (2014)

Pros: Versatile player, lined up over center on pass downs. Dropped into coverage as a stand up linebacker in base scheme. Rushed from a 3 point stance in a 4 man front and then inside at the 3-technique during the same game. Plays with good arm length and has a good swim move to disengage from blockers. Plays with good motor and will pursue plays all over the field. Has a knack for shooting the gaps especially when lined up inside at tackle. Has the ability to drop his shoulder and turn the corner on a tackle.

Cons: Doesn’t seem to play with much power. Doesn’t get a huge push in the pocket with leverage. Doesn’t play with a great burst off the snap but manages to get into the backfield. Has the ability to hold the POA at times but needs to be more consistent to use proper leverage.

Summary: Preston Smith lined up all over the place for the Bulldogs but I feel he projects best to a 3-technique tackle position or a strongside defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. He is an average pass rusher outside as an end but he showed a dynamic pass rushing element when he moved inside to rush the passer. Need to verify his measurables at the combine but he has the strong hands to not be a liability vs the run as a 3-technique. The lack of burst limits him somewhat but I see a 2^nd round pick as a tackle but 3^rd rounder as a defensive end.