The Washington Redskins opened the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft Friday night by drafting Preston Smith from Mississippi State with the 38th pick.
Redskins Select Preston Smith
Smith (6-5, 271 lbs) played defensive end in college, but the Redskins plan on moving him to outside linebacker. Smith will likely replace Brian Orakpo in the starting lineup. The Redskins have now filled their two top needs heading into the draft after selecting Smith today and RT Brandon Scherff on Thursday night.
Smith led Mississippi State last year with nine sacks and 15 tackles for a loss.
Scouts take:
Angular build with long arms. Has point-of-attack strength and doesn’t get pushed around. Plays with leverage against the run. Very sound wrap-up tackler who usually finishes the job. Flashes busy hands as a pass rusher and uses them to gain advantage. Gets arm extension, finds running back and looks to shed against gap running plays. As a junior, rushed passer from both ends and over the nose while also dropping into space on occasion. Can be a disruptive player when asked to play the gaps. Has ability to slip and go when rushing from inside position.
Smith has been a solid, rotational defensive end for Mississippi State, but nothing too special. When studying tape long enough, you see traits and potential. With his long arms, plus hands and ability to play the run, Smith could be an interesting prospect inside or in a hybrid 3-4 front. As a 4-3 defensive end, he lacks the twitch to be an impact player.
Preston smith says teams felt he looked slow on film. He said system demanded they play more react (bec of zone read). #WASpick
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 1, 2015
The Redskins view Preston Smith as an OLB in Joe Barry’s 3-4, I’m told, with plans to play him down as an edge rusher in sub packages.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 1, 2015
Preston Smith is a far superior prospect to Trent Murphy. He is Justin Tuck. Can stand up in this D, then move inside. No. 13 overall for me
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) May 1, 2015
Gruden says Preston Smith will have to come in, compete w Trent Murphy for playing time but that in some packages they could play together
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) May 2, 2015
Below are a few videos featuring Smith:
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