Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 4!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 4... oh snap, into the top 5 now!

4. Jason Smith, OT Baylor Bears

2008 Season Stats:
1st team All Big-12

Career Stats:
3rd team All American

Personal Stats:
6'5" 309 lbs. SR

Strengths:

A very athletic and strong tackle who has all the athletic ability and size to be a franchise left tackle. He is very quick, has great foot work, knows how to angle block with the best of them and seals off really well at the next level. Has a great body that could still add some weight and keep his athleticism, he has long arms that keep pass rushers from getting into his body and knocking him back. He has a great first punch and solid hand placement to control opposing defenders and then has the aggressive nature to finish blocks and bury them. Is extremely aggressive and nasty when blocking, a smart player as well who won't be fooled by stunts and blitzes. He has a great work ethic and probably has the most potential of all the offensive tackles available in this draft.

Weaknesses:

Needs to work on his run game, has spent too much time in a 2 point stance and needs to acclimate himself with putting his hand in the dirt. Needs to improve his technique, footwork and leverage angles when pass and run blocking.

Overall:

I've been high on Jason Smith for awhile and my original mock had him going in the teens but he has eclipsed all expectations and is contention for the #1 overall pick and can easily be considered the top OT on some boards. I feel he is a natural LT and would be great in a zone blocking scheme since it will take him less time to get used to that then it would a power I running team. He has amazing upside and potential and when all is said and done, he could easily be an elite player year in and year out.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 8th selection in the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select...










There you have it folks, be sure to tune in next week for the final week of analysis including prospects #3, #2 and #1!