RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Kevin Smith (Central Florida) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #64 by DET

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Kevin Smith - 2008 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

  • Name: Kevin Smith
  • Position: Running Back
  • College: University of Central Florida (UCF)
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 217 lbs

Overview:

Kevin Smith was one of the most productive running backs in college football during his time at UCF. His combination of size, speed, and vision made him a standout player, and he was particularly known for his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.

Key Strengths:

  • Production: Smith had an impressive college career, highlighted by a record-setting season in 2007 where he rushed for over 2,500 yards.
  • Durability: Showed the ability to handle a heavy workload, capable of carrying the ball numerous times per game without a significant drop in performance.
  • Versatility: Effective not just as a runner but also in the passing game, demonstrating solid hands and route-running skills.
  • Vision and Patience: Displayed excellent field vision, allowing him to find running lanes and make quick decisions on the field.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Speed: While he had good speed for his size, there were questions about whether he could consistently outrun defenders at the NFL level.
  • Pass Protection: Needs to improve in pass-blocking situations, as this is a crucial skill for running backs in the NFL.
  • Injury History: There were concerns about durability, particularly how he would handle the rigors of a full NFL season.

Projected Draft Round: Many analysts projected Kevin Smith to be selected in the second or third round of the 2008 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his production and potential impact on offense.

Conclusion:

Kevin Smith was seen as a solid running back prospect with the potential to contribute immediately in the NFL. His impressive college statistics and ability to perform under pressure made him a player to watch heading into the draft.