Carter Smith (offensive tackle, Indiana) elected to return to Indiana for his senior season. ESPN’s Matt Miller ranks him as his number four offensive tackle prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft class. Does the tape match this ranking?
Carter Smith 2027 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 313 lbs
The Tape
Games Watched: at Oregon, Ohio State (Big Ten Championship), and Miami (Playoff Final).
Strengths
For offensive line prospects, toughness and intelligence are important traits. Blake Miller (Clemson) went in the first round because he had both in spades. Smith is the same, but with better tape. Smith is clearly well coached and doesn’t back down from any challenge.
Smith’s best moments on tape are when he’s climbing to the second level in the running game. He’s always under control and has quick enough feet to work square to seal nicely. On the occasions when asked to pull, he gets out of his stance quickly, so his running back isn’t waiting for him. Smith is rarely on the ground and extremely effective in this part of his game.
Carter Smith's best trait is his ability to make second level blocks. Here is a typical example from the Indiana left tackle. He's under control, balanced and then works his feet square. He's not burying his man, but it's a clear win.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/DoeoilgQAn
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) July 9, 2026
On zone runs, the word for Smith is sticky. He gets into his man, and they are done. As with climbing to the second level, Smith remains balanced, and he doesn’t end up on the ground much.
In pass protection, Smith understands who he is. He likes to win quickly, and if he gets into his man’s chest, then he tends to win the rep.
Smith does an excellent job of remaining balanced. Even against the faster edge rushers, he doesn’t overset outside, and is therefore able to take away inside moves with minimal fuss.
On occasions when he’s knocked on his heels, Smith has the awareness and ability to drop his hips and re-anchor. He battles away with his hands and does his best to keep pass rushers’ hands off his chest.
Areas to Improve
Smith lacks the physical traits of an elite NFL left tackle. He lacks the feet of someone like the Los Angeles Chargers’ Rashawn Slater and the length of tackles like the Miami Dolphins’ Kadyn Proctor. His arm length will be something to look out for at the Senior Bowl and/or NFL Combine. If he has arms under 33”, many teams may view him as a guard.
Is Carter Smith an NFL left tackle prospect? Against top edge speed, he struggles. This rep is against Akheem Mesidor from a wide-9 and Smith struggles with the speed and dip.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/3T3WnhY7JU
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) July 9, 2026
While he’s smart and knows his limitations, the best edge rushers might always give him problems at tackle. There were examples most often in the Miami game, versus Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, both 2026 first-round picks.
Smith isn’t a mauler. He doesn’t overpower people, which may not suit every NFL system. When trying to generate power, he can bend at the waist rather than knees before contact. His feet can also be static; he needs to keep them driving on contact to generate movement.
In both pass protection and the running game, Smith’s hand placement can be a little outside initially. He adjusts quickly inside, but if his man is able to disengage quickly, then flags will fly.
Key Tests in 2026
The early season schedule for Indiana lacks any major tests. It’s not until October 17 and Ohio State that there’s a preseason top 25 opponent. The following week, they travel to Michigan.
There are two tests in November, at Southern California (November 14) and hosting Washington (November 21).
Scouts will hope for a playoff run to see Smith really tested.
The full schedule can be found here.
Carter Smith 2027 NFL Draft Projection
Smith might be viewed as a guard by some, and indeed his skill set might suggest he can be an elite guard or average to good tackle. The usual method used by teams is to try someone at tackle and if that doesn’t work, move them inside. There’s a high floor element to Smith because of this; at worst, he’s going to be an excellent starting guard.
Smith may not be an old-fashioned mauler, but he does fit zone blocking scheme-heavy teams well. His ability to climb to the second level is excellent, and he’s well coached like an Iowa offensive lineman.
While the best edge rushers can cause Smith problems, he does everything he can to keep his quarterback clean.
Smith’s tape is better than Blake Miller’s from last year, so a mid-first-round placement is reasonable to suggest.
Main Image: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
