NFLDraft101: Andre Smith (Alabama) NFL Draft Scouting Report

Andre Smith
NFL Draft Scouting Report

Offensive Tackle

Alabama


College Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Alabama
Grade: Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 330
Birthdate:
Draft Projection: Mid First
Overall Rank: 12
NFL Draft Position (Rank): Offensive Tackle (3)

Draft Result

Drafted in the 2009 Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1st round with the #6 pick.
Picking Eugene Monroe would have been the safer pick but in the end, I think it came down to the tape and Andre Smith was the most dominant tackle in the draft on tape. The pick fills a major need for the Bengals but you have to be concerned about whether the Bengals coaching staff will be able to motivate Smith to reach his maximum potential.

Strengths

Tremendous talent. Dominated at left tackle for the Crimson Tide. Uses his hands well and is very difficult to get around if you get into his body. A dominating run blocker. Good athlete with surprisingly quickness for his size. Sustains blocks and excels at the point of attack. Has handled speed rushers well. Any question of Smith's talent can be answered by how poorly Alabama played without him (8 sacks allowed)

Weaknesses

Major question mark after going AWOL at the combine and a so-so workout. You have to wonder if he is too big to play left tackle. The last LT his size was Leonard Davis who has developed into a good lineman but not a good left tackle. Will he be able to maintain his weight%3F Can he play on the left side%3F He did struggled a little bit against Kentucky's undersized but speedy defensive ends. Why did it take him so long to sign with an agent after being suspended from the Sugar Bowl for illegal contact with an agent. Has made numerous questionable decisions throughout the draft process. What do you believe the dominating tape or the overweight questionable decision marker during the draft process. Teams drafting him should do their homework and would be best to project him as a right tackle and consider any ability to play the blind side to be a bonus.

News

2011 NFL Draft: PRE-Pre-Season All-Rookie Team - Offense - Jun 1 (Chris Maier)
2011 NFL Draft Pick Analysis: Which Positions Provide the Best Value - Mar 17 (Fran Duffy)
NFL Draft Slot Analysis: Do First Round Draft Slots Matter - Mar 13 (Fran Duffy)
2011 Senior Bowl: South Practice Day Three - Jan 26 (Chris Maier & Doug Lancy)
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Season Edition - Aug 7 (Dan Wernery)
2010 NFL Scouting Combine Buzz: Offensive Lineman and Tight Ends - Feb 27 (Chris Maier)
2010 NFL Scouting Combine: Who and What To Watch - Feb 22 (Chris Maier)
Feeling a Draft: Okung the most valuable Top 10 Commodity? - Nov 21 (Dan Wernery)
2009 AFC North Preview - Aug 23 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Draft Report Card: AFC North - Apr 30 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Draft Grades (Chris' Take) - Apr 29 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Draft: Day One Winners, Losers and More - Apr 25 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Draft: 7 Stories To Watch - Apr 24 (Chris Maier)
Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft an OT? - Mar 30 (Dan Wernery)
Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft a DE or 3-4 OLB? - Mar 21 (Dan Wernery)
Pro Day Updates: Penn State and Cal - Mar 18 (Chris Maier)
Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft a WR? - Mar 18 (Dan Wernery)
Andre Smith Struggles At His Pro Day - Mar 11 (Chris Maier)
Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft a QB? - Mar 8 (Dan Wernery)
10 Reasons Tim Tebow will be successful as an NFL QB - Mar 7 (Hunter Ansley)
2009 NFL Scouting Combine Buzz: Day Two - Feb 22 (Chris Maier and Dan Wernery)
2010 NFL Scouting Combine Buzz: Offensive Lineman and Tight Ends - Feb 21 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Scouting Combine: Who and What to Watch - Feb 15 (Chris Maier)
2009 Underclassmen NFL Draft Stock Report - Jan 24 (Chris Maier and Dan Wernery)
2009 Senior Bowl Preview: Who and What to Watch - Jan 18 (Chris Maier)
Arizona's Eben Britton Declares for NFL Draft - Jan 3 (Chris Maier)
Alabama OT Andre Smith Declares for the NFL Draft - Jan 3 (Chris Maier)
Sugar Bowl: Draft Prospects to Watch - Jan 1 (Dan Wernery)
Pre-Bowl Game 2009 NFL Mock Draft (2 Rounds) - Dec 12 (Chris Maier)
Updated Mock Draft! - Nov 20 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Mock Draft: Mid-Season Edition - Oct 23 (Chris Maier)
The Seven Step Drop: Big Move Weekend Awaits - Oct 8 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Mock Draft (Early Season version) - Sep 22 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Season version) - Jul 13 (Chris Maier)
2009 Draft: Top 10 OT Prospects - Jun 11 (Dan Wernery)
Dan Wernery's First 2009 Mock Draft - May 21 (Dan Wernery)

Mock Draft Results

Live Interactive Draft Coverage Pick Analysis
Want to ask a football question to Phil Simms, Boomer Esiason, Chris Collinsworth and Howie Long? You might even win a once in a lifetime trip. Just click here! http://www.thebiglead.com/asktheexperts.shtml