Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

John Smith () - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #261 by CLE

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Pre-Draft Analysis: John Smith (1979 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:

John Smith, a standout kicker from UCLA, emerged as one of the top prospects leading into the 1979 NFL Draft. Known for his accuracy and strong leg, Smith was a crucial component of UCLA's special teams and had garnered significant attention from NFL scouts.

Strengths:

• Accuracy: Smith boasted an impressive field goal percentage during his college career, often making critical kicks under pressure.
• Leg Strength: Possessing the ability to kick from long distances, he was a reliable option for long field goals.
• Experience: With multiple seasons as a starter, Smith had a wealth of experience in high-pressure situations.
• Versatility: Besides field goals, Smith was also proficient in kickoffs, providing additional value to teams needing a dual-threat kicker.

Concerns:

• Consistency: While generally accurate, there were moments of inconsistency that raised questions about his reliability in crucial games.
• Pro-Level Transition: Transitioning from college to the NFL can be challenging for kickers; critics wondered if he could handle the pressure of professional play.

Projected Draft Position:

John Smith was projected to be selected in the early rounds of the 1979 NFL Draft, with many teams seeing him as a potential franchise kicker. His skills were highly valued, particularly by teams looking to bolster their special teams units.

Conclusion:

As the draft approached, John Smith's name was frequently mentioned among the top kicking prospects. His combination of accuracy, leg strength, and experience made him a coveted player, and many believed he would make an immediate impact at the professional level.