Hollywood Smothers will look to bring his well-rounded game to another level ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft. He will bring production as a receiver, experience as a blocker, and versatility as a runner to an already dangerous Texas Longhorns offense. As we enter the summer portion of the 2027 NFL Draft, this article will assess Smothers as a prospect ahead of his junior season in the SEC.
Hollywood Smothers 2027 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report
Career Statistics
- 1553 Rushing Yards
- 6.0 Yards Per Attempt
- 68.6 Yards Per Game
- 12 Touchdowns, one Fumble
- 74 Missed Tackles Forced
- 1042 Yards After Contact
- 74.5 Average Offensive Grade (Pro Football Focus)
- 75.3 Average Rushing Grade (Pro Football Focus)
- 73.2 Average Receiving Grade (Pro Football Focus)
Player Background
Hollywood Smothers is a former middling prospect out of West Charlotte High School in North Carolina. He was labelled as a three-star running back and the 40th-best player at his position in the 2023 recruiting class, according to 24/7 Sports. His production in high school caught the eye of numerous SEC programs, including the powerhouse of the conference, Alabama. Despite receiving offers from Missouri, South Carolina, and Florida State, Smothers ultimately committed to the Oklahoma Sooners.
After appearing in just four games as a freshman, Smothers retained his eligibility and transferred to North Carolina State ahead of the 2024 season. He was given more run in the Wolfpack offense, totalling six touchdowns and 571 yards while accumulating 263 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver. In 2025, Smothers was a First Team All-ACC selection after posting four different 100-plus-yard performances. His production as a redshirt sophomore caught the attention of Phil Steele, who listed him on the Fourth Team of his 2026 Preseason All-America List.
Best Tools for Hollywood Smothers
- Consistently explodes when utilizing a hard plant with his outside foot and quickly accelerates to his top gear after splitting defenders
- Impressive long speed with impressive stamina to help him finish off long runs, and could allow him to contribute on kickoffs at the next level
- His pass protection against Pittsburgh this past season was impressive; he showcased a strong anchor against charging linebackers and safeties while always looking to help out his quarterback as a blocker
- Elite ball security with soft hands as a receiver gives him potential to grow into a three-down back; no fumbles or drops in 2025
Hollywood Smothers brings elite explosiveness back to the Texas backfield pic.twitter.com/qC3SSXuOPA
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) May 2, 2026
Tools to Improve for Hollywood Smothers
- In pass protection and as a runner, Smothers struggles to identify blocking assignments or find the open gaps at the line of scrimmage; too “bounce happy” and reliant on his explosiveness
- Easily pushed back or uprooted against bigger linebackers when running inside; lack of vision and overall play strength really limit him as a gap-scheme runner
- Would like to see him finish off runs rather than dive forward and shy away from contact; rarely lowers his shoulder or drives the pile with his lower half
- While the Pittsburgh game showed potential as a blocker, overall consistency in that aspect of the position is a work in progress for Smothers
Early Player Summary
Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers are going to be a joy to watch in the Texas offense this season. Unlike Brown, Smothers possesses good size at 5-foot-11. 195 pounds, and that should give him more opportunities to be the lead back. The Longhorns will likely rotate between the two explosive players but Smothers has shown more willingness and showcases better technique as a blocker which should give him more run on third down.
The lack of fumbles and sticky hands gives Smothers a good overall profile as a prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft. With his combination of explosiveness and ball security, NFL teams would love to have him as a kickoff or return specialist and at worst, a change-of-pace running back. Smothers will really need to improve his play strength against the physicality of SEC defenses to show front offices he is strong enough to play at the next level.
Main Image: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
