Do you like offensive linemen that are trying to rip their matchup’s head off? Trey Smith is your guy, come the second or third round of this year’s draft. Originally a 5-star left tackle prospect from Jackson, Tennessee, Smith decided to stay at home and attend Tennessee. Following medical issues that forced Smith’s switch to guard, he has become a definitive Day 2 pick in this year’s draft.
Strengths:
There’s not a lot of complexity in Trey Smith’s evaluation, if we’re being honest. He’s strong and big, measuring in at 6’6″ and 330 pounds. At that size, you better be able to maul some defenders. His upper body strength creates a great first punch against interior rushes. Powerful hands and a *decent* ability to drop his hips erases any hopes of a bull rush. Power rushers on the interior will struggle to get pressure. Smith has a high football IQ and understands his blocking concepts.
Weaknesses:
Just how easy it is to see Trey Smith’s strength, it’s also pretty clear that he lacks athleticism. He has slow feet, so he’s not going to be your pull guard. He gets into his pass sets slower because of this, which welcomes speed rushers inside. This was one of the main reasons he was switched to guard. Speed rushers just blew by him off of the edge. This lack of athleticism keeps him out of the first, maybe even the second round.
Favorite Play:
Here’s a great example of Smith’s high IQ, power and finishing ability.
Projection:
Best Case: Starting Guard that sheds a little weight, gains mobility and continues to wreck at the second level
Worst Case: Backup Guard that is situationally used for strength, might not last in league
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