Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Darius Smith (Sam Houston St.) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #224 by OAK

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1996 NFL Draft Pre-Draft Analysis: Darius Smith

Player Profile

• Name: Darius Smith
• College: Sam Houston State University
• Position: Defensive Back
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 205 lbs

Strengths

• Size and Athleticism: Darius possesses an impressive combination of size and speed that makes him a versatile defensive back. His height allows him to match up well against taller receivers.
• Coverage Skills: He demonstrated solid man-to-man and zone coverage abilities during his college career, showcasing good ball skills and the ability to read quarterbacks.
• Tackling: Darius is known for his physical tackling style, making him a reliable asset in run support.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistency: At times, Darius struggled with consistency in his technique, particularly in backpedaling and transitioning in coverage.
• Experience Level: Coming from a smaller program, he may need time to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
• Injury History: There were concerns regarding previous injuries that could affect his durability at the professional level.

Overall Assessment

Darius Smith was viewed as a project player with significant upside. His physical tools and college production made him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for depth in their secondary. While he faced challenges, particularly in adjusting to the higher level of competition, his potential for development could make him a valuable asset in the right system.

Projected Draft Round

Most analysts projected Darius Smith to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 1996 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and preferences.