2009 NFL Draft Preview: Andre Smith

2009 NFL Draft Preview - Andre Smith. Andre Smith is the Alabama Crimson Tide's All-American offensive tackle who is entering the 2009 NFL draft after his junior year of college. Many scouts consider Andre Smith as the best run blocker to come out of college football in the past five years. He had an outstanding 2008 season winning the Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman in college football. Smith's college career did end on a negative note with his suspension from the team for inappropriate contact with an agent before the Tide's Sugar Bowl loss to Utah. Several days after his suspension was awarded, he declared himself eligible for the 2009 NFL draft.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - OL Andrew Smith Scouting Report

Andre Smith Pros

Andre Smith is 6'4", 330 lbs. NFL size to go with the strength and a wide-base. He was one of the most dominant run blockers and finishers that we've seen at the collegiate level in a long while. Andre Smith has the demeanor and toughness to go with being a strong finisher. Consistently logged the most downs of anyone on the team throughout his collegiate career.

Andre Smith Cons

Andre Smith's hype has tended to make 'experts' over-look some of his weaknesses. Specifically, he has struggled more against players with speed. Additionally, he has shown a tendency to have weight problems in the past and did not show up to the NFL Combine in shape! Smith also demonstrated some weakness when playing for pass protection over the course of the 2008-09 college football season.

Andre Smith Overall 2009 NFL Draft Prospects

Andre Smith has the ability to play left tackle in the NFL, but he may be a bit over-rated as a player for what real and fantasy football players will be looking for this season. He is one of the best run-blockers to come out of college in a long time, and he is projected to go no later than Nr. 5 overall in the draft.

Refs:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls08/news/story?id=3798417
http://newnfldraft.com/
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_just_sports/2008/12/fixing_the_detroit_lions_plugg.html
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/lions-should-forget-about-andre-smith/