2009 NFL Draft Preview: OT Jason Smith

Jason Smith is 6'5", 309lbs and is the No. 1 OT prospect for the 2009 NFL draft. He has NFL size and is assessed as being able to come in and start immediately at left tackle for the team who needs him. Smith also has the strength to go with his size, benching 33 repetitions at 225lbs at the combine with a 5.22 40-yard dash.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - Jason Smith Scouting Report

2009 NFL Draft Preview - OT - Jason Smith Pros

Jason Smith is one of the more athletic OTs in the 2009 NFL draft. Although many think he would fit in perfectly as a Left Tackle immediately, he could also play Left Guard in the write offensive scheme. He brinks good speed for a OT and has good arm length and brings an already good technique to the NFL. Smith is also coming out of college being a great run blocker and not too bad at blocking for the passing game.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - OT - Jason Smith Cons

The biggest complaint about Jason Smith is that he doesn't have the same strength of most NFL lineman today. The general conscientious is that he needs to gain 15-20 lbs more of muscle to help him push rushers outside of the pocket. He will also need to improve his lower body strength to make it to the NFL Pro Bowl level.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - OT - Jason Smith Overall

Some mock drafts have Jason Smith being picked first by the Detroit Lions since the general thought process is how good would taking a quarterback first be if there's no one decent to protect him. If the Lions go with Stafford for QB as many others are predicting then Jason Smith should go now lower that 3^rd in the draft with Kansas City. The Rams may or may not take him with the 2^nd overall pick if he's still available.

Refs:

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2009_NFL_Draft/jason_smith.htm

http://www.nfl-draft-site.com/2009/03/top-32-prospects-for-2009-nfl-draft.html

http://www.nfl-draft-site.com/2009_02_01_archive.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Smith_(American_football)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/02/mock1/index.html

http://www.nfl.com/combine/story?id=09000d5d80ed3621&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true