Durkin's Prospect Watch: WR Devin Smith
By Dan Durkin–
(CBS) NFL rules incentivize teams to run deep and exploit downfield contact rules. Thus, players with game-changing speed can make "chunk" plays in the passing game not only on receptions but also by drawing penalties when they've beaten a defensive back deep.
Today we take a look at one of the draft's best pure athletes, a player who's capable of making such big plays: Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith.
WR Devin Smith (6-foot, 196 pounds, Ohio State)
40-yard dash: 4.42
Vertical: 39"
Bench: 10
Arm: 31"
Bio: Smith arrived in Columbus as a two-time all-state wide receiver and was the long jump state champion at Massillon Washington High (Ohio). He continued his two-sport prowess at Ohio State, finishing as a four-time football letterman and a three-time track letterman. In track, he competed as a sprinter and high jumper, earning honorable mention All-American honors as a member of the 4x100-meter relay team in 2012.
As a true freshman in 2011, Smith appeared in all 13 games, tying for the team lead with 14 receptions and ranking first with four touchdown receptions. In 2012, he led the Buckeyes with six touchdown receptions and was second on the team in receptions (30) and yards (618). In 2013, he led the Buckeyes in receptions (44), yards (660) and touchdowns (eight), earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. In 2014, he led the nation with a 28.2 yards-per-catch average and finished with 931 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In total, Smith never missed a game at Ohio State, appearing in 54 games, making 33 starts. He finished his career with 2,503 receiving yards, 30 touchdowns and a 21 yards-per-catch average. He also contributed as a gunner on special teams, as well as a kick and punt returner.
Pro outlook: Smith's an elite athlete who will make an immediate contribution as a slot receiver and core special teams player in the NFL. His deep speed will force teams to account for him whenever he's on the field, which will put pressure over the top and force safety help to his side of the formation.
Smith effortlessly glides when he runs, firing off the snap and quickly eating up a defensive backs' cushions, which forced them to open up their hips earlier than desired, leaving them off-balance and vulnerable to double moves at the top of the stem. He tracks the deep ball as well as anyone in the draft. His track background frequently shows up on film, as he's able to time his jump, then twist and contort his body to high-point contested passes down the field.
The threat of Smith getting vertical and stacking on top of cornerbacks allowed him to snap off routes and create separation on comebacks, digs and curls. He's more of a straight-line runner with the ball in his hands in the open field, but he can turn short and intermediate throws into big gains and move the chains.
Smith has a tendency to fight the ball at times and will occasionally attempt to turn up field before securing the ball. These traits will lead to some frustrating drops at the NFL level. He must also learn to run the full route tree. Ohio State was a running team, so Smith was called upon to block, but he wasn't physical at the point of attack. He tends to lean into defenders with his shoulder rather than delivering a square blow.
Draft projection: Smith has game-changing speed and will immediately contribute as a receiver and special teamer. He projects as a high second-round pick.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
