Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Brandon Smith (Penn St.) - 2022 NFL Draft Pick #120 by CAR

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Brandon Smith - 2022 NFL Draft

Brandon Smith, a linebacker from Penn State, was a highly regarded prospect heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Here’s a breakdown of his skills, strengths, and potential weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Size and Athleticism: Smith possesses ideal size for a linebacker at 6'3" and 250 pounds, combined with impressive athleticism that allows him to cover ground quickly.
• Speed: His straight-line speed is a significant asset, enabling him to chase down ball carriers and cover tight ends or running backs effectively.
• Versatility: Smith has experience playing multiple linebacker positions, making him adaptable to various defensive schemes.
• Physicality: He is a physical player who is not afraid to take on blockers and make tackles in the open field.
• Leadership: Known for his leadership qualities, Smith was a key figure in the Penn State locker room, often serving as a motivator for his teammates.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: At times, Smith struggled with consistency in his tackling and coverage, which raised concerns about his reliability at the next level.
• Read and React Skills: While he has the physical tools, there were questions about his ability to quickly read plays and react effectively.
• Coverage Skills: Although he has speed, his coverage skills were seen as a work in progress, particularly against more agile and elusive receivers.

Overall Assessment:

Brandon Smith entered the 2022 NFL Draft with a lot of potential, showcasing a blend of size, speed, and physicality that teams seek in modern linebackers. While he had areas that needed improvement, particularly in terms of consistency and coverage, his athletic profile and leadership qualities made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.

Teams were likely to view him as a developmental player with the potential to become a starter in the right system.