The NFL Draft is extremely deep with pass rushers and Louisville’s Marcus Smith is among the top half of the list. Many teams will be looking for a player with his skills to help them in 2014. Smith had a very productive senior year which will help propel him into a day two draft selection. Provide he is put in the right scheme Smith could be very productive in his rookie season.

School: Louisiville

Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 251 lbs

Strengths

Speed: Smith shows explosion off the snap. When an offensive lineman is slow to get off the line, Smith will rush by him to get into the backfield. Not only does he get into the backfield quickly his timing is even better. When a blitz is called Smith times the snap so well to give him even more of an edge.

Agility: Smith moves so well around the field. In space Smith is very dangerous and can chase down ball carriers with ease as his 4.68 40 time would dictate. One thing that stands out on film is Smith’s ability to make cuts and change direction. He does this easily and makes it look like one fluid motion.

Versatility: Smith is one of those players who will do it all for his team. At times you will find Smith lined up as a 3-4 outside linebacker as a standup pass rusher. Other times he will line up on the line as a defensive end or defensive tackle. Playing as a run stopper or pass rusher isn’t his only skill; Smith can also drop into coverage which can help mask what the defense is trying to do.

Weaknesses

Play recognition: There are instances in trying to stop the run will one will question if Smith is recognizing the play up front. Bad angles are a clear indication of this. Smith also can struggle in pass coverage at times when his assigned man ran right by him. This is usually the effect of getting caught looking into the backfield.

Strength: While Smith did gain 50 pounds while at the University of Louisville, he will need to gain more muscle. In the NFL Marcus Smith needs to do a better job of shedding blockers when trying to stop the run. His speed can’t be his only trick if Smith expects to excel the way he did his senior year.

NFL Outlook

Smith will most likely be drafted on day two as an early to mid-third round selection.

Best Fit

Marcus Smith will best fit a team as a 3-4 pass rusher. He excels when standing at the snap of the ball. Smith needs to be able to use his quickness to gain the upper hand. In order for him to play in a 4-3 he will need to add weight at the next level.