DeAndre Smelter (Georgia Tech) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #132 by SF
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for DeAndre Smelter (2015 NFL Draft)
Player Overview:
DeAndre Smelter was a wide receiver from Georgia Tech who entered the 2015 NFL Draft after showcasing his potential during his college career. Known for his size, athleticism, and strong hands, Smelter was considered a promising prospect with the ability to contribute to an NFL team.
Strengths:
- Size and Physicality: At 6'2" and around 225 pounds, Smelter possessed the physical traits that NFL teams coveted in a wide receiver.
- Strong Hands: He demonstrated the ability to catch passes in traffic and was known for his reliable hands, making difficult catches look routine.
- Versatile Skill Set: Smelter was capable of playing multiple receiver positions and had experience in both outside and slot roles.
- Blocking Ability: His physicality extended to his blocking skills, making him a valuable asset in run-heavy offenses.
Weaknesses:
- Injury History: Smelter suffered a significant knee injury during his senior season, which raised concerns about his durability and recovery.
- Route Running: While he had the physical tools, his route-running was considered a work in progress, needing refinement to fully translate to the pro level.
- Lack of Experience: Coming from a run-heavy offense at Georgia Tech, he had limited experience in a pro-style passing system, which could affect his transition to the NFL.
Draft Projection:
Due to his combination of size, potential, and injury concerns, Smelter was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a big-bodied receiver with upside would likely take a chance on him, especially if they believed in his ability to recover from injury and develop as a professional.
Conclusion:
DeAndre Smelter entered the draft as an intriguing prospect with significant upside, but also with questions about his injury history and route-running ability. His selection would depend heavily on a team's evaluation of his potential and their willingness to invest in his development.