Notes: Prepped at Charlotte (N.C.) Independence (also played basketball), where he won four state titles. As a true freshman for the I-AA national champs in 2007, played all 15 games - took ownership of the weak-side linebacker position by starting the final nine games and totaling 121 tackles, 5½ for loss and half a sack with 11 pass breakups and two interceptions (one TD). Started all 41 games the next three seasons and was the Mountaineers' leading tackler in each - registered 123-7½-2 with five pass breakups in '08 (14 games); 137-14½-2 with eight pass breakups, one interception and two forced fumbles in '09 (14 games); and 144-4½-2 with three pass breakups and one interception in '10 (13 games). Made eight starts at MLB and five at WLB as a senior. Team captain. Was a 21-year-old senior. Smith's total of 525 career tackles ranks second in school history behind Dexter Coakley, a three-time Pro Bowler in a 10-year NFL career. Positives: Has a thick trunk. Instinctive - is around the ball a lot. Highly respected by coaches and teammates - natural, vocal leader who cares for the game. Moves well laterally. Good balance and body control. Pursues hard and leaves everything on the field. Secure tackler. Aware in zone. Experienced, durable, four-year starter with outstanding production. Sterling football character. Self-starter with a winning pedigree. Has been very durable despite size and not missed any time to injury. Negatives: Does not look the part - lacks ideal height, has a soft midsection and 20 percent body fat. Tight hips - struggles to break down in space. Gets caught in the wash. Limited suddenness and explosion - not a great leaper and his broad jump of 8 feet, 8 inches was the Combine's worst amongst linebackers. Poor hands. Racked up production against marginal competition. Summary: Short, tightly wound, instinctive small-school 'backer who lacks exceptional traits but possesses impeccable intangibles and production that cannot be ignored. Is not as athletic as Coakley but will get the chance to prove himself on special teams and could stick as a versatile backup in a 4-3 front.
NFL projection: Late draftable pick.
To purchase your copy of PFW's 2011 Draft Preview book, visit the PFW Store. | 
Latest Team Rankings
Yahoo! Sports
Highlight Videos
