Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Derron Smith (Fresno St.) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #197 by CIN

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Derron Smith - Pre-Draft Analysis for the 2015 NFL Draft

College: Fresno State
Position: Safety
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200 lbs

Overview:

Derron Smith was a standout safety at Fresno State, known for his playmaking ability and versatility in the secondary. With an impressive college career, he entered the 2015 NFL Draft as one of the top safety prospects.

Strengths:

• Ball Skills: Smith demonstrated excellent ball skills, recording numerous interceptions throughout his college career. His ability to track the ball in the air made him a constant threat in the passing game.
• Instincts: He showed a high football IQ, reading plays effectively and reacting quickly to both the run and pass. His instincts allowed him to be in the right place at the right time.
• Versatility: Smith's ability to play both free safety and strong safety made him an attractive option for various defensive schemes. He could also contribute in the box against the run.
• Athleticism: With good speed and quickness, Smith was able to cover a lot of ground in the secondary and effectively match up against tight ends and slot receivers.

Weaknesses:

• Tackling Technique: While Smith was a willing tackler, his technique occasionally left something to be desired, leading to missed tackles at times.
• Size: At 6'0" and 200 lbs, he was considered slightly undersized for a safety, which could potentially limit his effectiveness against bigger, physical receivers and running backs.
• Consistency: There were moments of inconsistency in his performance, particularly in coverage against elite competition, which raised some questions about his ability to handle NFL-caliber offenses.

Projected Draft Position:

Smith was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft, with the potential to become a solid contributor on special teams and in a rotational safety role early in his career.

Conclusion:

Derron Smith’s combination of instincts, ball skills, and versatility made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary. While there were concerns regarding his tackling and consistency, his playmaking ability could translate well at the professional level.