Jordan Smith NFL Draft Overview
Position: Edge Defender
Height: 6’-6”
Weight: 255 pounds
School: UAB
Jordan Smith 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Jordan Smith has the size on paper to play in the NFL. In fact, the numbers jump off the profile at 6’-6, 255 pounds. However, the scouting report on Smith suggests he struggled to play to his size in college. Smith is still very raw in his pass rush technique with a limited toolbox to work with. Despite his obvious size, Smith needs to add more functional strength to his game as his actual build in college was very lean and he lacked consistent power.
He originally committed to the University of Florida. However, whilst at Florida, Smith was one of nine players suspended for the 2017 season due to his role in an alleged credit card fraud scheme. He attended JUCO before committing to UAB as a linebacker. Smith emerged as an effective hybrid linebacker/edge rusher with the UAB Blazers and one of the top defenders in the AAC in 2019 and 2020.
Smith dominated in 2019, recording 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 13 games. In the shortened 2020 season, he continued to be productive for UAB. In eight games, Smith racked nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded his only college career interception and first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2020. As a senior, Smith’s draft prospect status received a boost when he received an invite to the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Strengths
- Very productive in JUCO and for two years at UAB;
- Has the frame – freakish length and wingspan;
- Good closing speed to make tackles – works hard in pursuit;
- Uses his hands well – with more power to his game, could be a handful;
- Separate from blocks with his length.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent pass rush technique – gets too low, lacks the bulk to overpower blockers consistently;
- Need to add bulk to the lengthy frame;
- Lack of bulk shows up against blockers – Easy to anchor on for OT’s with good technique;
- Lacks push rush maturity – Doesn’t set up any moves;
- The question mark of his suspension from Florida.
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NFL Comparison: Dion Jordan
Both the strengths and weaknesses of Smith’s body composition are similar to that of Dion Jordan when he entered the 2013 NFL Draft. Jordan struggled to put on weight his first few years in the league and ultimately is known as a draft bust. However, he has carved out a career for himself. Now playing at 285 pounds, Jordan has the bulk to stand up on the edge of 3-4 and play with his hand in the dirt. He’s never the heights of his draft position but works well as a rotational pass-rush option. It’s an example of the floor Smith could have if he adds weight to his frame.
Teams With Need at Position: Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs.
Projection: Fourth Round
Bottom Line on Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith has the frame that will excite scouts and coaches. Additionally, the production is excellent for the level he played at in college for two seasons. Which will only move him up draft boards. He projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker, however, if he’s able to truly bulk up, there is a future where Smith lines up with his hand in the dirt. While he is clearly very raw in his pass rush technique, the motor and effort levels are equally obvious. It’s not an issue of work ethic, Smith has added weight to his frame each year at UAB. A trend he desperately needs to continue if he is to be successful in his pro career.
Smith’s lack of functional football strength is the obvious weakness of his game. That’s not to say he’s not strong, but players of his height need bulk and power to their game to overcome the leverage advantage 6’-3/6’-4”, 300 pounds offensive tackles naturally have. For reference, no active defensive NFL player listed at 6’-6 or taller is listed less than 260 pounds. Smith has the length, flexibility, and general agility to beat defenders. He needs to add a power element to his game and work on his technique.
Overall Smith is a risky prospect to take early in the draft. The questions around his suspension and leaving of Florida shouldn’t be too much of a concern but on the field, he is still a developmental prospect. That said, Smith has obvious agility and flexibility to his game that could make him a disruptive defender. He’s well worth a mid-round pick, particularly for a contender who can afford to take on a developmental edge defender with the huge upside Smith has.
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