Ihmir Smith-Marsette 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180 lbs
School: Iowa
Ihmir Smith-Marsette NFL Draft Profile
A high school water polo player, football was on the back burner for Smith-Marsette. Until he transferred to Weequahic High School, where football moved to the top of his priority list. Even, then Smith-Marsette continued as a dual sport athlete. Showcasing his athletic profile in track and field as an elite hurdler. His versatility continued onto the football field, where he played both cornerback and wide receiver. Although he caught 43 passes as a Varsity football player, he was recruited as a three star corner prospect.
In February 2017 after decomitting from Rutgers and later Minnesota, Smith-Marsette landed with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes viewed him as a wide receiver and a special teams specialist. Smith-Marsette made an immediate impact as a freshman catching two touchdown passes vs. rival Iowa state in just his second game. Other than that performance his freshman year was relatively quiet. He followed his freshman year with a relatively low-key sophomore year as well.
His junior season, was when Smith-Marsette began to look the part of an NFL prospect. He finished the season with 722 yards, 5 touchdown and a staggering 16.4 yards per catch. On top of the receiving totals he added three rushing touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns, showing versatility that should excite NFL teams. He followed up his junior season with a productive, shortened senior season. Finishing his senior season with five total touchdowns, including two in his final game, where he earned Big-10 player of the week honors.
Smith-Marsette has potential to be a 2021 draft day steal. Speed, explosion and immense potential standout when watching him on tape. The lack of consistent QB play and game planning for wide receivers at Iowa are the only reason he didn’t put up even better numbers. While the potential is there, the lack of reps and targets are a concern and Smith-Marsette is far from a finished product. He struggles with some brutal drops and his route-running could use some major improvements. However, with his projected draft slot, teams will be willing to take a risk on a high potential prospect.
Strengths
- Explosive player – could take any touch to the house;
- Can play multiple roles on the team;
- Special teams impact;
- Break away speed;
- Hasn’t hit his ceiling yet;
Weaknesses
- Below-average oute-running;
- Hands could use some work;
- Limited reps as a full-time wide receiver;
- Old off-field issues;
- Physicality could use improvement.
NFL Comparison: Van Jefferson
Projection: Round 5
Team Fits: Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins
Bottom Line on Ihmir Smith-Marsette
The 2021 draft is stacked at the wide receiver position. Even so, Smith-Marsette offers enough upside to offer value in this draft.With the ability to contribute on special teams as a returner, his stock should be higher than some other mid-round wide receivers. In the right system, Smith-Marsette offers a ton of upside, especially at the Z spot in a vertical offense. With the limited college reps, the right coach can mold Smith-Marsette into a role on a team. Come draft day he should become the first Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver drafted since Marvin Mcnutt in 2012.
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