Rookie Scouting Spotlight: Derron Smith – 2015 NFL Draft
The Rookie Scouting Spotlight Series on RosterWatch is written by Chris Nicolaou. Check back often as he adds new 2015 NFL draft prospects to his notebook, and make sure to tune in to RosterWatch on SiriusXM to hear Chris’s additional thoughts and breakdowns along with other RW writers and contributors. Follow Chris Nicolaou on Twitter @cnic_11
Derron Smith, FS Fresno State
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 197
40-yard dash: 4.54 (projected)
NFL Comparison: Eric Weddle with less thump
Derron Smith entered his senior season with 14 career interceptions, which was the most of any active FBS player returning in 2014. In this past season, Smith recorded 80 tackles with seven passes broken up and one interception. For a prospect who was averaging almost 5 interceptions per year prior, the ball-hawk saw that number decrease but did not let his other attributes suffer. Smith was a great tackler and had his hands on many passes. He played free safety and that role should translate well in his transition into the NFL.
Positives:
– All-around, has good speed to his game – not as fast as an Earl Thomas or an Eric Weddle, but clearly shows the functional speed to consistently be around the football
– Has good, not great size
– Reads quarterback well – great vision/awareness when aligned in a single-high look
– Almost sure to be a special teams contributor given his nature for finding the football and his sure ability to wrap up
– Very good open-field tackler who does not often bring the wood, but can be counted on to not let the opposition by him as the last line of defense
– He’s always around the football and, at times, has been the definition of the word “ballhawk”
– Has good closing speed – you see him at his highest gear when he’s identified his target or his destination within the coverage scheme
– Plays run well in the box when lined up closer to the line of scrimmage
– Quick when blitzing, again showing that his functional speed, while not elite, is above-average
Negatives:
– Can add some upper body strength – he could be a monster with added bulk through the upper portions of his power base
– Takes poor angles in pursuit at times when the play flows away from his side of the field
– Not as physical as you’d like, but as mentioned, is more of a sure tackler than a take-your-head-off hitter at this point
– Due to the nature of the Fresno defense, we’ve rarely seen Smith take many snaps where he’s tasked with handling man coverage
. . .
Projected Draft Round: 2-4
