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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Ito Smith (Southern Miss) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #126 by ATL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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

Player Profile:
  • Name: Ito Smith
  • Position: Running Back
  • College: Southern Miss
  • Height: 5'9"
  • Weight: 195 lbs
Overview:

Ito Smith was a standout running back at the University of Southern Mississippi, known for his speed, agility, and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He was a productive player during his college career, showcasing his skills as a dual-threat running back.

Strengths:
  • Vision: Smith demonstrated excellent field vision, allowing him to find running lanes and make quick decisions.
  • Agility: His quick feet and elusiveness made him difficult to tackle, often evading defenders in tight spaces.
  • Receiving Ability: Smith was effective as a receiver, capable of running routes and catching passes, which added versatility to his game.
  • Work Ethic: Coaches praised his hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, indicating a strong football IQ and willingness to improve.
Weaknesses:
  • Size: At 5'9" and 195 lbs, Smith was considered undersized for an NFL running back, which raised concerns about his durability in a professional setting.
  • Blocking: His pass protection skills needed improvement, as he struggled to pick up blitzes against larger defenders.
  • Injury History: There were some concerns about his injury history during his college career, which could impact his longevity in the NFL.
Projected Draft Round:

Smith was projected to be selected in the late rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft, likely in the fifth to seventh rounds, depending on team needs and preferences.

Overall Assessment:

While Ito Smith faced questions about his size and blocking ability, his playmaking skills and versatility made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a change-of-pace back or a third-down specialist. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game gave him value as a potential late-round pick.