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Steve Smith (College Stats) - 1966 NFL Draft Pick #71 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Smith (1966 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:

• Name: Steve Smith
• College: University of Southern California
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 190 lbs

College Stats:

• Receiving Yards: 1,500+ yards
• Touchdowns: 12 TDs
• Receptions: 100+ receptions

Strengths:

• Exceptional route-running skills, showcasing sharp cuts and the ability to create separation from defenders.
• Strong hands, capable of making difficult catches in traffic.
• Good speed and agility, allowing him to stretch the field vertically.
• Solid understanding of offensive schemes and defensive coverages.

Weaknesses:

• Concerns about size and physicality against larger defensive backs.
• Limited experience against top-tier college competition.
• Needs to improve blocking skills for the running game.

Overall Assessment:

Steve Smith was viewed as one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the 1966 NFL Draft. His impressive college statistics and performance at USC highlighted his potential to be a productive player at the professional level. Scouts praised his ability to run precise routes and make catches in contested situations, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

While there were some concerns regarding his physicality and ability to compete against larger defenders, his skill set and football intelligence made him a viable candidate for an early selection in the draft.