Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Roquan Smith (Georgia) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #8 by CHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Roquan Smith (2018 NFL Draft)

Position: Linebacker

College: University of Georgia

Overview

Roquan Smith was widely regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft. He showcased exceptional athleticism, intelligence, and playmaking ability during his time at Georgia, helping lead the Bulldogs to a national championship appearance.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Smith possesses elite speed for a linebacker, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline-to-sideline.
• Instincts: He has a keen ability to read plays and react accordingly, often anticipating the movement of ball carriers and making decisive tackles.
• Tackling Ability: Roquan is known for his sure tackling technique. He rarely misses tackles and is effective in both one-on-one and open-field situations.
• Coverage Skills: His agility and speed translate well in pass coverage, making him a versatile asset capable of defending tight ends and running backs effectively.
• Leadership: Smith demonstrated strong leadership qualities on and off the field, serving as a captain for the Bulldogs and earning the respect of his teammates.

Weaknesses

• Size: At around 6'0" and 225 pounds, some analysts questioned whether he had the prototypical size for an NFL linebacker, though his playing style often mitigated this concern.
• Raw Strength: While he is a solid tackler, there were concerns about his ability to shed blocks against larger offensive linemen consistently.

Overall Assessment

Roquan Smith was projected as a top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft due to his combination of speed, instincts, and playmaking ability. Teams valued his versatility to play various linebacker roles and contribute significantly on defense and special teams. His performance in college, particularly in big games, cemented his status as one of the elite prospects of the draft class.

Conclusion

With the potential to be an immediate impact player in the NFL, Roquan Smith was viewed as a can’t-miss prospect for teams looking to bolster their defense with a dynamic and intelligent linebacker.