Jacquies Smith 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Jacquies Smith
6'4, 255 pounds | Defensive end/Linebacker | Missouri

First word: Speed and athletic ability will always rank high in NFL war rooms.  Possessing those attributes usually means you have a ton of potential.  Having upside is something that all NFL evaluators look at and heavily consider when evaluating talent.

Smith is a talented player with good quickness and athletic ability.  He combines his physical skills with a non-stop motor that helps him pursue and attack. Smith has good fluid motions that lead me to believe he can make the adjustment to linebacker.  He lacks the bulk to hold up at defensive end meaning a move to linebacker is in his future.

I have a hard time finding a lot to like about Smith, other than his athletic ability. He lacks the ideal instincts limiting his plays on the football.  Smith really struggles to identify the ball often resulting in over pursuit or him being out of position.  His lack of pass rush moves is concerning as it limits his ability to create pressure.  His relies on his quickness to create pressure.  However, he is often unsuccessful because his first move off the line is straight up providing time for the offensive lineman to get set.  His lack of bulk really hurts his ability to stop the run and hold at the point of attack.

Overall, Smith possesses the athletic ability to be a good football player but lacks in the necessary instincts.  He needs to show more of a playmaking ability and a better nose for the football.  Smith could easily improve his draft stock with a breakout season or he could completely fall off the map.

Bold statement: Smith will have double digit sacks but not be a really coveted prospect

Games viewed: Illinois ('10), Nebraska ('10), Iowa ('10)

Jacquies Smith
6'4, 255 pounds | Defensive end/Linebacker | Missouri

Notes:

• Smith is undersized for the defensive end position
• However, has good size if asked to move to linebacker
• He struggles to hold at the point of attack and looks to avoid blocks rather than stacking
• His athletic ability and short area quickness makes him a likely candidate to move to linebacker
• He possesses good blitz timing and the ability to create pressure off of a stunt
• Smith is an active player and always working this way to the football
• While quick and athletic, Smith struggles to get to the edge and flatten out
• His struggles rushing the passer are due to his high pad level
  
• He also struggles getting off the football due to poor snap awareness
  
• Instincts and football IQ seem to be an issue with Smith as he also struggles to find the football
• As an indication of his athletic ability the Missouri staff felt comfortable letting Smith spy speedy Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez.