Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Steve Smith (College Stats) - 1968 NFL Draft Pick #166 by CIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Smith - 1968 NFL Draft

Player Overview:
Steve Smith was a standout player at the collegiate level, showcasing remarkable skills that positioned him as a notable prospect heading into the 1968 NFL Draft. His collegiate career was marked by impressive statistics and a reputation as a game-changing athlete. College Stats:

• Position: Wide Receiver
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• Receptions: 100+ throughout his college career
• Receiving Yards: Over 1,500 yards
• Touchdowns: 10+ touchdowns

Strengths:

• Speed: Known for his exceptional speed and ability to stretch the field, making him a deep threat.
• Route Running: Demonstrated precise route-running skills, allowing him to create separation from defenders.
• Hands: Possessed reliable hands, capable of making difficult catches in traffic.
• Football IQ: Showed a strong understanding of defensive coverages and the ability to find soft spots in zones.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'11", some scouts questioned whether he could handle press coverage at the next level.
• Blocking: Needs to improve blocking skills to contribute effectively in the run game.

Overall Assessment:
Steve Smith was projected to be a valuable addition to an NFL team, potentially being selected in the early rounds of the draft. His combination of speed, agility, and receiving skills made him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their passing attack. While there were concerns regarding his size and blocking ability, his playmaking potential was undeniable, highlighting his ability to impact games positively. Projected Draft Round:
Many analysts believed Steve Smith could be selected anywhere from the second to fourth round, depending on team needs and preferences. His collegiate performance and physical attributes made him one of the intriguing prospects of the 1968 draft class.