Prepare yourselves, because the blogosphere will be littered with posts about the shortcomings, and free fall of one Andre Smith, the Alabama tackle who was originally considered arguably the top tackle entering the 2009 NFL draft.
However, after making a poor impression at the NFL combine, and subsequently leaving early without notifying NFL personnel, Smith's stock began to drop. He claimed he was out of shape and wanted to leave the combine early so he could prepare himself for his school's Pro Day.
Well, that Pro Day was yesterday, and again, Smith did not impress. Not only was Smith posting poor numbers in the 40 yard dash, the vertical jump, and the bench press, he was noticeably out of shape. Not to mention, without being asked to do so, Smith removed his shirt prior to being weighed in, only to display his lack of upper body definition, and rolls and layers of fat.
Now, granted, an NFL O-lineman's 40 yard dash speed is likely never going
to translate to the field; however, what it does display is the lack of commitment Smith possesses. After the combine debacle, Smith knew the pressure was on to impress at his Pro Day. And it is likely that had he prepared and performed well at his Pro Day, his combine mishap would have been history. Yet, he seemingly failed to meet this commitment, and once again, left NFL scouts with more concern than comfort.
to translate to the field; however, what it does display is the lack of commitment Smith possesses. After the combine debacle, Smith knew the pressure was on to impress at his Pro Day. And it is likely that had he prepared and performed well at his Pro Day, his combine mishap would have been history. Yet, he seemingly failed to meet this commitment, and once again, left NFL scouts with more concern than comfort.One team thought to be interested in Smith is the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are trying to get younger along the offensive line. They have made a step in the right direction with the signing of Derrick Dockery; however, the team desperately wants to replace Jon Jansen, easily the most suspect member of the O-line at this point of his long career (Jansen, however, has been a cornerstone throughout his career, and I believe he has been snubbed several times in Pro Bowl voting).
The Stephon Heyer experiment seems to have run its ground, and there is speculation the Redskins will turn to the draft to replace Jansen.
With Andre Smith in a free fall, many mock drafts have the Redskins taking him at #13. (Personally, I believe the Redskins will try to trade out of #13 - despite the availability of game changing pass rushers - and try to recoup multiple picks, while also avoiding a big monetary payout for an upper half 1st round player.)
Further incentive for the Redskins to take Smith is the presence of current left tackle Chris Samuels, also a Alabama alum. Smith apparently is a big fan of Samuels, which may cause brainiac Vinny Ceratto to believe Samuels can mentor Smith, and help him develop into the elite tackle NFL scouts projected he would be coming out of college.
Maybe he can...but if the NFL and millions of dollars isn't enough motivation, what can Chris Samuels offer this guy?
As a Redskins fan, I can only hope that - in this case - defense remains the focus of the offseason. To be honest, I would like to see the Redskins replace Jansen. I just hope they refrain from replacing Jansen with Smith. Smith may very well become the elite tackle he was supposed to. But at this point, he looks to be heading down Maurice Clarett avenue, and I would prefer the Redskins go DE or LB rather than picking Smith. That is, of course, unless one of the other top flight tackles are available.
No comments:
Post a Comment