James Smith

Size not verified, but appears to possess adequate height with a big frame and ready-to-play mass. Wears bulk quite well. Could even add more weight if desired, but will arrive at a high-major program ready to give snaps.

Athletic context lacks any of the desired perspective beyond functional, on-field evidence. Passes the eyeball test on tape and live. Experienced at myriad LOS spots, from the edge to the interior and all points therein.

Shows startling two-point edge athleticism for his size. Juice translates to perimeter pursuit range. Capable of chase-down athleticism from the back side. Also flashes uncommon redirecting twitch edge to edge. Launches out of stops -- while maintaining body control -- to redirect with purpose and efficiency.

Shows some pass-rush nuance with swim and rip moves. Explosive burst at the snap gets him on top of blockers in a hurry. Knows how to get skinny and knife into gaps. Quick, slippery penetrator who's at his best when asked to get up the field.

Occasionally swim-happy and may gamble. Sometimes shows a habit of yielding blocker first contact, forcing counters to disengage. Can get more consistent and efficient with hand combat. Gets a bit upright in the phone booth at times.

Lack of verified measurements, layered athletic context, and production data create more of an unknown as a prospect than other elite D-linemen in the class. Nevertheless, a clearly gifted, functionally athletic, disruptive playmaker with the size and build that could correspond to various schemes. Projects as a high-major prospect with all-conference potential and a high-round NFL Draft ceiling.

More Evaluations

• Evaluated 08/05/2020 Gabe Brooks 247Sports Scouting Analyst Read