QB / RB / FB / WR / TE / OT / OG / OC / DT / DE / OLB / ILB / CB / SAF
Prospect: Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 249 lb.
Grade: 6.9 (Grading Scale)

Athleticism:

• Tall and thin with a frame to add weight
• Has some burst off the snap, top end speed to win around corner
• Exposed by quicker opponents in the open field, change of direction skills limited
• Flexible hips to dip around the edge as a pass rusher

Intelligence/Effort:

• Prevalent motor as pass rusher and in pursuit, gets to the ball often
• Understands the gameplan, disciplined pass rusher vs. various quarterback types
• Overall energy level is high

Pass Rush:

• Works bullrush to some effectiveness, lacks combination moves
• Can become swim move reliant, but his swim move is very effective
• Initial punch can be lacking at times, but his hands are generally active
• Unpredictable pass rusher who can get around the corner or shoot through gaps
• Leverages quarterback well, doesn’t often run past him

Run Support:

• Plays gap sound and always sets the edge with his outside shoulder free
• High pad level and lean frame limit ability to anchor when head up
• Ball aware, locates it early and has ability to shed and pursue

Technique:

• Naturally plays high, bullrush and anchor vs. run require bending
• Plays with arms extended to separate and not get locked up
• Ability to disengage and close on the ball quickly shown vs. run and pass

Overall:

Quanterus Smith notched 12.5 sacks before his senior season came to an end due to a torn ACL against Louisiana-Lafayette.  He had a very productive season and was consistently a disruptive force for the Hilltopper defense.  Smith is a polished prospect with room to grow.  His natural ability paired with his understanding of the game are enough to ensure a middle round pick despite injury question marks.  If he can make a full recovery from the ACL injury there will be little to worry about.  In his previous three seasons at Western Kentucky, Smith had not missed a game due to injury.  The injury will limit him when it comes to draft workouts and off-season activities, but a team who can afford to be patient while he works his way back as a rookie may see it pay off as soon as he gets healthy.  His level of production and polished skills tell me he can produce immediately.
Report by Darren Page

 

Tags: Hilltoppers, Quanterus Smith, Western Kentucky

This entry is filed under the category: NFL Draft, Scouting Reports.