NFL Draft Profile: OLB Aldon Smith Missouri

by Steve Shoup on Mar 4, 2011 8:32 PM EST

KANSAS CITY MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Jordan Webb #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks is sacked by Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers during the game on November 27 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Aldon Smith, OLB/DE Missouri

Background: Smith is a two year starter for the Tigers after spending his freshman year as a redshirt on the scout team. Named first team All-Big 12 this past season, and was a freshman All-American in 2009. Missed three games this past season after fracturing his fibula in October, but returned for the rest of the season.

Measurables: 6'4" 263 with a 4.74 40 time

Draft Projection: Top 15 pick

Pros, Cons and Analysis After the Jump

Pros:

Extremely tough, fought his way back from a bad leg injury and still played at a high level
Long, he has a long frame that is excellent at disrupting passing lanes
Long arms, not only do they help knocking down passes, but they help keeping blockers off of him
Quick closing burst, once Smith gets to the backfield he closes extremely fast
Versatile player, played both inside and outside and was able to rush the passer from either place
Gets small, constantly finds holes through the line that shouldn't be there for someone his size
Very Good in pursuit, takes good angles chasing the quarterback or ball carrier
Good first step, gets off the line quickly and into the backfield
Has a variety of pass rush moves, and is good at countering the blocker
Very good production, 17 sacks and 29 TFL in just 23 career games
Immense upside and potential
Holds the point of attack, in the run he held his ground consistently
Great athleticism

Cons:

Raw, still unrefined in a number of areas
Not much experience standing up as an OLB
At times played sloppy
First step is good, but not elite
Will need a crash course in covering receivers
Needs to get stronger, managed just 20 Bench Press reps
Had good, but not great Vert. Jump and Broad Jump numbers

Analysis:

Smith is one of my highest risers in this draft class, and a guy who I think is going to be a star. I love his toughness and smart heady play as he always seems to find the football. Smith has all the makings of perennial double digit sack master, and should cause havoc in opponents backfields. While his overall skill set is a bit raw, he has all the physical and mental tools to dominate opposing lineman.

Although his lack of physical strength is a concern, he plays strong and has a lean frame to add more muscle. His lack of time as a linebacker could scare some teams off, but he looked fluid in the drills at the combine, and never looked stiff in college, covering screens. He was known for knocking down passes and he does have an interception to his name, so he isn't without some ball skills.

There is always a risk with converting a player like Smith, but I love the intangibles and think he is the best 3-4 rush linebacker after Von Miller. The sky is the limit with Smith, and I have a feeling that whomever drafts him, will have an instant star.

Why he makes sense for the Redskins:

The Redskins have to increase their pass rush this season, as Brian Orakpo was basically a one man show last year. Smith would be a perfect complement to Orakpo at the other outside backer position, and would create matchup nightmares for opposing offenses. Smith's stock is going way up right now and he is easily in the top 15 range right now.

i know a lot of people would consider Robert Quinn above Smith, but I really think Smith is the better fit. Quinn looks to me to be a better fit as a 4-3 DE, and although he could stand up, I feel that Smith is more natural at it. Smith also should develop into a better coverage guy than Quinn, given his athleticism and fluidity of his motion in space. Both are elite pass rushers, but Smith might have the better overall skill set.

Some might question Smith since he is a bit more raw, and is more of a late climber, but I feel that he is a great choice. His potential is off the charts, and he should thrive with Orakpo getting the majority of the attention. Smith reminds me a lot of DeMarcus Ware, and should give the Redskins the most feared rush linebacker pairing in the NFL.

Steve Shoup has been a Redskins fan his entire life and dreams of the day they get back to the glory days of his youth. In addition to his regular piece on Hogs Haven, you can find his daily writings at Fanspeak.com.

Poll

Is Aldon Smith a good choice for the Redskins with the 10th pick?

Yes, great choice

181 votes

No, not a good value

138 votes

I like Smith but only if we trade down in the first round

292 votes

611 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 39 comments | 1 recs |

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Comments

Much like Kerrigan, he might make a better 4-3 DE.

I consider myself a one man wolfpack..

by Diesel44 on Mar 4, 2011 8:46 PM EST reply actions

I think Smith will do well in either system

but I think he is a lot like Ware and Woodley and will do just find standing up.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 4, 2011 10:56 PM EST up reply actions

Without a trade up Smith is a slight reach. Currently there are some players ahead of him, but by draft day 1 that may change.

Quinn may slide down to the Skins, but he also may get picked before #10. Apparently Quinn’s tumor issue is in the past. I like the kind of strength gained in training and wresting (A sport in which Quinn excelled)

10. Jimmy Smith CB Colorado 95 Scouts Inc grade
11. Corey Liuget* DT Illinois 94
12. Nate Solder OT Colorado 94
13. Julio Jones* WR Alabama 94
14. Tyron Smith* OT USC 93
15. Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa 93
16. Aldon Smith* DE Missouri 92

by Jefferson1935 on Mar 4, 2011 8:52 PM EST reply actions

I think Smith is rising

but there is some concern there. I think he is top 10 worthy, but his rawness and youth hold him back. I love the upside though and every game I’ve seen with him, I love the way he attacks the football (or whomever is carrying it). There are no doubt some additional options, but I just have a feeling that Smith will be a star.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 4, 2011 11:11 PM EST up reply actions

My only concern on Smith

is that he is very long. I love his potential at OLB, but is he able to anchor?

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

I do think he needs to add some upper body strength

but I think he can anchor pretty well. He was pretty good against the run in the games that I watched him. I wouldn’t say he was elite in that regard, but good for projecting to a 3-4. I like the way he sheds blocks and attacks the ball carriers.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

He could compliment Rak nicely

I just don’t think the #10 overall pick needs to be spent here.

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

The only guy in this group I would touch at #10

is Julio Jones

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 9:16 AM EST up reply actions

I like him,

but I like Quinn more. I also like Justin Houston more.

by CarverM on Mar 4, 2011 8:54 PM EST reply actions

I like Houston but I think he is a bit more raw and more of a 20-30 type player

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 4, 2011 11:06 PM EST up reply actions

I like Houston

But definitly no where near #10

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 9:13 AM EST up reply actions

He's my #3 OLB

after Miller and Quinn. He won’t last to #41. If we trade to 15-20 range, that’d be a perfect place to take him. He may not last late into the 20’s.

by CarverM on Mar 5, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

I don't see the need for an OLB being that high

We have one stud already. We would be fine with a solid guy already on the roster playing opposite Rak(Jackson, Wilson or even LoAx). We actually have some players at OLB. We currently have no players at QB or WR. I would even go so far as to put C/G ahead of another OLB as an immediate need.

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

What we see is not what we get at the Redskins' roster. There are a couple of players on the roster that the site has not

listed in their transactions (This is off topic, but just for information purposes):
http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/depth-charts/NFL.aspx
Jeff Stehle, DE, 6’6’ / 291 Age: 23 , 1/13/2011: Signed a reserve/future contract. http://www.nfl.com/players/jeffstehle/profile?id=STE136851
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=80400&draftyear=2010&genpos=DT

Edgar Jones, OLB, 6’3’ / 263 Age: 26, 1/8/2011: Signed a reserve/future contract.
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/kw5XBo0-rJY/Baltimore+Ravens+v+New+England+Patriots/CDYmzcib-Cm/Edgar+Jones
Matt Gutierrez #7 of the New England Patriots is chased by Edgar Jones #91 of the Baltimore Ravens during a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 7, 2008 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
http://www.nfl.com/players/edgarjones/profile?id=JON255794
2007 rookie – TE/OLB

That means the Team is carrying more like 74 players right now.

by Jefferson1935 on Mar 5, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

Nice find Jeff

Do you know anything about these guys beyond their bio’s?

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions

Not much. Jones was a rookie in 2007 and has been switched between OLB and TE. I would say that the main

point is the Skins did not stand pat late in the 2010 season or after. You can call it a “fishing expedition.”

by Jefferson1935 on Mar 5, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

Jones runs the 40 yard in 4.84 seconds. A little slower than Jarmon.

by Jefferson1935 on Mar 5, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions

Didn't Jarmon run a 4.68 40 at UK

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

For the position the ten yard or less means a lot more than the 40 yard time. During workouts, Jarmon's

40-yard dash times were between 4.79 and 4.83 seconds. During Kentucky pro day earlier this year (2009), Jarmon ran a 4.76 40.

For comparison purposes the following fastest 40 times for 2011 draft prospects: Dean DeLeone, 4.59; Robert Quinn,4.62; Brandon Ward, 4.63; Ugo Chinasa, 4.63; Da’Quan Bowers, 4.64; Kourtnei Brown, 4.66; Steven Friday, 4.66; and Drew Gloster, 4.67.

Jarmon did not rank that bad compared to other 2011 prospects: Cameron Jordan, 4.74; J.J. Watt, 4.81; Cameron Jordan,4.74; J.J. Watt, 4.81; Aldon Smith, 4.74; Adrian Clayborn, 4.78; Ryan Kerrigan, 4.67 . The 2011 combine times were all under the same conditions.

by Jefferson1935 on Mar 6, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

Bit off topic, but...

I wonder how long before Rosenhaus is on the phone with our FO regarding Plax?

by TheFuzzy on Mar 5, 2011 12:29 AM EST reply actions

I think the Skins can do better.

I’d love to have a great defensive player if he were to fall(Miller, Dareus) but if that doesn’t happen I think the Skins should whichever top 2 receiver is left. Green or Jones will be great receivers and both fill a huge need. I still won’t count Locker out, I think he can follow in the footsteps of many QBs and have his draft stock rise dramatically as the offseason goes on.

Skins rule

by Horcasitas4 on Mar 5, 2011 12:30 AM EST reply actions

I can't disagree with this

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

He will make for a nice 3-4 OLB

But #10 is too high for him. The premier OLB, will prob go before #10. If we want a shot at him, trading back would be the only thing that makes sense.

IMO, both Smith and Cam Jordan are reaches at 10.

Are you not entertained?

by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 9:11 AM EST reply actions

I know they are late bloomers

but I really feel Jordan and Smith are going to be impact stars at the next level. If we can trade back and get Smith I’m all for it, I just have a sneaky suspicion that 5 years from now Smith will be considered a top 10 guy from this draft.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 5, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

We may already have the "Cam Jordan" in Jarmon

6’ 3" 290+(Jordan is just an inch taller, and a few pounds lighter) and you remember how good of an athlete this guy was at Kentucky. I expect him to see significant PT at DE this year, maybe even start(depending on what happens to Haynesworth).

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

I would love this

we need to get some value out of that 3rd rounder. The kid definitely has potential. He is the reason I rate OLB a more pressing need than DE for us.

by CarverM on Mar 5, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Do you remember him at Kentucky Carver?

Kid was an exceptional athlete. I’d say he has more upside than Cam Jordan at DE.

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

Big durability concerns though

by CarverM on Mar 5, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

It's just that injury

If he’s healthy, then he should be fine. Don’t forget, he’s still young.

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, but he was hurt in college

and he’s been hurt for more games than he’s played in. I hope he’s 100% this year.

by CarverM on Mar 6, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions

As do I

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by Tiller56 on Mar 6, 2011 4:15 PM EST up reply actions

Man

We have so many needs… Its tough between WR, De/OLB, and DT… I think qb can wait for 2nd round IMO

by SpartanFS47 on Mar 5, 2011 10:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

We need a MLB in FA

Paul Posluszney(26) Buff – 6-1 238
Stephen Tulloch(26) Titans –
Zach Diles(26) Texans – 6-2 246
Justin Durrant(25) Jax – 6-1 240

We could add a reserve DE in FA:
Alan Branch(28) Cards – 6-5 338

A younger FA CB would be nice too:
Jonathan Joseph Bengals – 5-11 193
Antonio Cromartie Jets – 6-2 203

An OG in FA would be a plus too:
Davin Joseph(27) TB – 6-3 313
Carl Nicks(26) NO –
Nick Cole(27) Phi

If Brown isn’t re-signed, than a RT is needed via FA:
Jermon Bushrod NO – 6-5 315
Ryan Harris Den – 6-5 300
Tyson Clabo Atl –
Khalif Barnes Raiders – 6-5 325

I’ll keep LoAx, Wilson and Jackson at OLB. Give me a few FA from above. Especially 1 from G’s and MLB’s.

This would allow us to focus on QB/WR with our first two picks.

We have a lot of cap room, especially since cutting portis(saved 8.3 mil), exercising our option on Moss(saved 4.5 mil), releasing Carter(saved 2 mil) and cutting Dock(saved 3.8 mil). If we release Haynesworth(which I don’t really approve of) we could save an additional 5.4 mil. D Hall needs to restructure. He’s costing us 9.2 mil.

With just Portis, Moss, Dock and Carter, we saved 18.5 mil. That could equate to 5 quality, starting calibur FA’s.

Are you not entertained?

by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 11:00 AM EST reply actions

Carl Nicks is a restricted free agent and has a first round tender offer. It is my opinion that the team could fill most of their roster

needs via free agency. The QB and NT needs are not so easily filled in free agency. The Team definitely needs a #1 WR. Santana Moss had a good year in 2010, but, to use LJP’s phrase (sorry) he is not a game changer any more. The Team needs red zone help.
There are a some players that could be signed now. The ex-Jag for one would improve the Skins’ WR group.

You said a mouth full – “With just Portis, Moss, Dock and Carter, we saved 18.5 mil. That could equate to 5 quality, starting calibur FA’s.” With Atogwe signing that list is more like 10 new starters needed. The Skins’ draft picks could then be used for QB, NT, WR, and to beef up depth.

Go for speed in the OL, not guys with 1.80+ seconds in the 10 yard distance who are not as likely to fit in the ZBS. While not absolutes, Wisniewski (1.80)and Castonzo (1.80) are on the margin for ZBS. Sherrod (1.81), Cannon (1.84), Pinkston (1.86), Love (1.85), Carpenter (1.81), Barksdale (1.84), Gilbert (1.83), Moffitt (1.88), Ziemba (1.87), Hairston (1.82), Watkins (182), etc. are OK for power blocking, but are less adept for ZBS. It does not matter as much if the players can continue to accelerate beyond 10 yards.

by Jefferson1935 on Mar 5, 2011 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

The Skins’ draft picks could then be used for QB, NT, WR, and to beef up depth

My thoughts exactly

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by Tiller56 on Mar 5, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

With all of their needs, I'm in the BPA camp this draft, really

I just don’t want us to reach on an offensive player at 10 if the BPA is a defensive player. We need to get talent in this draft, not worry about filling needs. If AJ Green falls to us at #10, or if the coaches feel Julio Jones is the best guy available at 10, then I’m OK with that. I just really like this year’s class of 3-4DEs and OLBs.

by CarverM on Mar 5, 2011 4:40 PM EST up reply actions