Za’Darius Smith

Kentucky, LE

Height: 6.4

Weight: 265

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Athleticism: C-

Not an exceptional athlete, but one who is talented to have played both football and basketball. Lacks great speed and burst (was outrun by his teammate Alvin Dupree on the field). Average change of direction ability and is a defensive end only prospect.

Pass Rush: C

Average athleticism and limited experience limits him as a pass rusher. Lacks a pass rush arsenal and is overly reliant on a basic bull rush or edge rush. Takes himself out of the play by taking a wide edge and leaves a gap for mobile quarterbacks to escape through. Can be late to get off the snap and puts himself at a disadvantage to make the sack. Has long arms and gets them up in passing windows.

Run Defense: B-

Well-built and strong to take on the run as a 4-3 end and as a 3-4 end at Kentucky. Anchors well and plays his gaps, rarely getting moved off the ball. Capable of shooting gaps and penetrating, as well. Must do a better job of protecting his lower half and has a tendency to lose his balance.

Technique: C+

Has quick hands and can use them to disengage, but gets caught up hand-fighting a little too often. Needs to play with better pad level and can get out leveraged by offensive linemen and get stalemated. A wrap tackler who can take down ballcarriers with a good hit, but needs to finish the job on a more consistent basis.

Intangibles: C

Hard working player on the field, but thought he played with a hotter motor in 2013 than in 2014. Did not give as much effort on pursuit but can be a very good chase down artist for a lineman. Concerns have been raised about his ability to digest schemes and concepts. Only played two years of high level football and has upside with his football instincts and diagnosis with more reps.

Red Flags: Mental Capacity

Bottom Line: Za’Darius Smith might lack the ability to be a double digit sack producer, but he has the tools to become an NFL starter with his run defense. He has a lot of flaws which are coachable and can contribute as a rookie in run situations. While Smith could continue to get bigger and stronger to fit in a 30 front, he is most likely destined for a 4-3 defense and is limited as a defensive end in either scheme.

Comparison: Malliciah Goodman

Grade: 7.7 (4th Round)

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