Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Fred Smoot (Mississippi St.) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #45 by WAS

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Fred Smoot (2001 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Fred Smoot
• College: Mississippi State University
• Position: Cornerback
• Height: 5'11"
• Weight: 190 lbs

Strengths:

• Coverage Skills: Smoot showcased excellent man-to-man coverage abilities, demonstrating the agility and footwork necessary to match up against top receivers.
• Ball Skills: Known for his ability to track the ball and make plays, Smoot had a knack for finding interceptions and breaking up passes.
• Experience: With multiple years as a starter at Mississippi State, Smoot brought valuable experience to the table, having faced a variety of offensive schemes.
• Physicality: He played with a physical edge, demonstrating the ability to tackle well and support the run defense.

Weaknesses:

• Size Limitations: At 5'11", Smoot was considered undersized compared to some of the taller cornerbacks available in the draft.
• Inconsistency: While he had standout performances, there were moments of inconsistency in coverage that raised some concerns among scouts.

Overall Assessment:

Fred Smoot was regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2001 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, ball skills, and experience made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. While there were questions about his size and some inconsistencies in his play, many believed that his competitive nature and ability to make plays on the ball would translate well to the professional level.

Projected Draft Position:

Smoot was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the draft, with teams in need of a cornerback likely to target him early on.