Smith has obvious talent. Blessed with the prototype combination of size, balance and agility, he has the potential to develop into a top-flight left tackle in the NFL. He emerged as a standout in the Pac-10, winning the Morris Trophy as the conference's top offensive lineman as voted by the league's defensive linemen.
The concern, of course, is that he's making a huge jump in competition without having actually operated on the left side. Lacking the bulk and strength teams prefer at right tackle, Smith will be projected to the left tackle position in the NFL. It won't be difficult for scouts to fall in love with Smith's tools and make him an early selection come April.
The team had better be willing to accept growing pains, however, as the 20-year old Smith, while perhaps the most gifted offensive tackle in the 2011 draft, is nowhere near being a finished product.
Pass blocking: His best trait. Flashes very good initial quickness and gains good depth with his initial kick-slide. Plays on the balls of his feet with good forward and lateral balance. Shuffles his feet laterally to mirror the defender. Has the long arms and strong hands to lock onto the defender. Loses focus and relies too much on his agility to remain in front of the pass rusher. Becomes susceptible to swim moves when he doesn't use his hands aggressively. Has the agility to handle converting to the left side.
Initial Quickness: Inconsistent with his initial get-off. Capable of being the first off the snap, as he often is when he anticipates a blitz to his side or has to get out in front of a sweep play, but can also be among the last off the snap.
