Maason Smith NFL Draft Overview
Draft stock can change in the blink of an eye and no player knows that more than Maason Smith. An interior defensive lineman from LSU, Smith has seen his draft stock fluctuate over the last two seasons. Smith was excellent as a Freshman in 2021 and saw himself being discussed as a sure-fire first-round draft pick. Unfortunately for Smith, multiple injuries have derailed his college career.
Maason Smith was poised for a breakout season in 2022, but disaster struck. In the first quarter of opening day, Smith landed awkwardly while celebrating. Smith tore his ACL and missed the rest of his Sophomore season. He was also suspended for the first game of the season in 2023 for reported NIL violations. The 2023 tape is not as dominant as the 2021 tape, but Smith still has all the traits necessary to play at the NFL level.
Got like 20 snaps of Maason Smith (DT 0) and I can simply state his evaluation as
Draft the Ogre pic.twitter.com/wTyKvQOAZR
— Draft Guy Jared (@DraftGuyJared) February 12, 2024
Position: Interior Defensive Line
Height: 6’5” (Verified)
Weight: 306 Pounds (Verified)
School: LSU
2024 NFL Draft: Maason Smtih Scouting Report
Strengths
- Fantastic height and length combination
- Traits for days that have yet to be fully unlocked
- Knows how to use his length and heavy hands to knock blockers off base
- Great first step as a pass rusher
- Multiple pass rush moves
- Provides interior pressure
- Still a young prospect
- Finished college with a healthy season
Weaknesses
- Torn ACL in 2022
- Shoulder injury in 2021
- Peaked as a Freshman
- Can be blown off the ball far too frequently
- Not much power to his game
- Can play with better leverage in the run game
- Tweener in terms of size, may fit best as a 3-tech at the next level
- Lack of overall production in college is concerning
Projection: Day three pick
Best Fits: Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts
LSU DL Maason Smith injured himself while celebrating 😳pic.twitter.com/PGloGfNVAM
— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) September 5, 2022
Bottom Line on Maason Smith
Whether they produce in college or not, uber-athletic former five-star prospects will always get an opportunity in the NFL. Smith’s lack of production, coupled with his injury history probably removes him from top-75 consideration. However, low-value picks are used on this type of player constantly. Grabbing a player with this size and athletic profile is the ultimate low-risk/high-reward move. Smith has the tools to be a higher pick but has the production of a day-three pick.
Smith provides intrigue as a prospect because of his ability to bring pressure from the interior. Most quarterbacks have maintained the opinion that interior pressure is more frustrating to deal with than pressure off the edge. It unsettles them. Finding a player who can consistently push the pocket and get into the backfield is paramount. Amazon Smith has the length and quickness necessary to overwhelm some interior offensive linemen in the NFL.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
