ANDRE SMITH

ALABAMA

#71

PROJECTION:  Top 10 Overall     COMPARISON:  -

CLASS JUNIOR

HEIGHT 6-4

WEIGHT 330 lbs.

HOMETOWN Birmingham, AL

HIGH SCHOOL Huffman

BIRTHDAY 1/25/1987

SCOUTING REPORT

STRENGTHS: Great size & strength...Versatile...Quick & agile feet...Wide base...Plays with a mean streak

WEAKNESSES: Needs to keep weight in check...Tends to get lazy at times...Questions about his pass blocking

OVERALL: A blue-chip high school prospect, Andre Smith was among the top high school prospects in 2006 and started at left tackle the second he stepped foot on Alabama’s campus. He started three years for the Crimson Tide (all at left tackle) and was a huge part to Alabama’s success, especially in the ground game. Smith has the versatility to play anywhere along the line, but does have the natural ability to play left tackle at the NFL level despite doubts about his quickness. He plays with a wide base and engulfs defenders at the POA and once he latches on, it’s over. The biggest concern with Smith is his weight which fluctuates around 340 lbs. and he needs to make sure he keeps that under control. He plays with a nasty attitude and isn’t timid when blocking. Smith tends to get lazy at times and bend at the waist instead of his knees. Sometimes he relies simply on his size to block defenders instead of playing with technique and fundamentals. Smith packs a punch at the point of attack and is an amazing run blocker who simply redirects defenders and forces them whichever way he wants. He shows amazing foot quickness for a man of his size and has excellent agility. Smith was awarded the Outland Trophy this past season, given to the top collegiate lineman. He stayed durable throughout his collegiate career. Carries some baggage as he received a lot of criticism for being absent from workouts and choosing not to perform drills at the NFL Combine - questionable passion.

BOTTOM LINE: One of the most physically dominant linemen to enter the NFL in recent memory, Smith has the size and quickness to play left tackle in the NFL for the next 10 years - Top 10 overall material.