Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Anthony Smith (Syracuse) - 2006 NFL Draft Pick #83 by PIT

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Anthony Smith (Syracuse) - 2006 NFL Draft

Position: Safety

College: Syracuse University

Overview

Anthony Smith was regarded as a talented safety prospect coming out of Syracuse in the 2006 NFL Draft. Known for his physical style of play and strong instincts, he was a key player in the Orange's defense, earning recognition for his ability to make impactful plays.

Strengths

• Physicality: Smith displayed a strong, aggressive playing style, often making hard tackles and showing a willingness to play near the line of scrimmage.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated solid ball-hawking abilities, including the capacity to intercept passes and create turnovers.
• Football IQ: His understanding of the game allowed him to read plays effectively and position himself to make plays on the ball.
• Versatility: Smith had the capability to play both free safety and strong safety, offering flexibility to NFL teams in their defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 6'1" and around 200 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he had the size to compete consistently at the NFL level against larger receivers and tight ends.
• Coverage Skills: Although he had good instincts, there were concerns about his ability to cover faster, more agile receivers in man-to-man situations.
• Injury History: Smith had faced some injury concerns during his college career, raising questions about his durability in the NFL.

Projected Draft Round

Anthony Smith was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft based on his potential and the demand for safety prospects.

Conclusion

Anthony Smith was seen as a promising safety with the potential to develop into a starter in the NFL. His physicality and playmaking ability made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary.