NFL Draft/Undrafted Free Agents - Dawuane Smoot #68 to Jaguars

#2      

Dan

Dan
Admin
Dan
With the 68th overall pick, the #Jaguars select Illinois defensive end Dawuane Smoot (@BigSmoot_91).
https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/858136300003708928

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#4      

IlliniFaninHoosierLand

IlliniFaninHoosierLand
IlliniFaninHoosierLand
Here's the NFL.com draft profile on Smoot (For those of you that followed his Illini career, I'd like to hear what you think of this analysis):

STRENGTHS
Well-conditioned with willing motor to pursue across the field. Strong closing burst closes out quarterbacks in the pocket and running backs down the line of scrimmage. Acclaimed high school hurdler with plus agility, loose hips and nimble feet. Works to stay ahead of reach blocks and contain the edge. Able to knife through gaps and create disruption in backfield. Uses dip and rip when he senses he can turn the corner. Speed-to-power ability when given a runway. Good lateral quickness and would benefit from twisting scheme that allows him to operate in space. Able to redirect suddenly. Can play with hand in the ground or standing. Takes swipes at the ball; forced four fumbles over last two seasons at Illinois. Played for defensive guru Lovie Smith in 2016.

WEAKNESSES
Needs to improve skill level and become more consistent with hands as a pass rusher. Average upfield burst to challenge the edge. Face-up rusher with issues cornering edge with snug turn. Rushes without much of a plan and relatively few counter attacks. Was swallowed up by North Carolina right tackle Jon Heck, an inferior athlete. Needs more sand in his pants. Struggles to set a hard edge and can be kicked out by quality tackles. Not enough wins against man-to-man matchups. Very small hands for the position.

BOTTOM LINE
Duck-footed, face-up rusher able to generate some power in his rush, Smoot failed to put together the breakout season many predicted after a strong junior showing. He lacks a track record of pass rush production to excite NFL teams as an early round pick, but his athleticism could create an opportunity for him as a 3-4 rush end if given the chance.

Link: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/dawuane-smoot?id=2557839
 
#5      

ballislife17

ballislife17
ballislife17
IlliniFaninHoosierLand said:
Here's the NFL.com draft profile on Smoot (For those of you that followed his Illini career, I'd like to hear what you think of this analysis):

STRENGTHS
Well-conditioned with willing motor to pursue across the field. Strong closing burst closes out quarterbacks in the pocket and running backs down the line of scrimmage. Acclaimed high school hurdler with plus agility, loose hips and nimble feet. Works to stay ahead of reach blocks and contain the edge. Able to knife through gaps and create disruption in backfield. Uses dip and rip when he senses he can turn the corner. Speed-to-power ability when given a runway. Good lateral quickness and would benefit from twisting scheme that allows him to operate in space. Able to redirect suddenly. Can play with hand in the ground or standing. Takes swipes at the ball; forced four fumbles over last two seasons at Illinois. Played for defensive guru Lovie Smith in 2016.

WEAKNESSES
Needs to improve skill level and become more consistent with hands as a pass rusher. Average upfield burst to challenge the edge. Face-up rusher with issues cornering edge with snug turn. Rushes without much of a plan and relatively few counter attacks. Was swallowed up by North Carolina right tackle Jon Heck, an inferior athlete. Needs more sand in his pants. Struggles to set a hard edge and can be kicked out by quality tackles. Not enough wins against man-to-man matchups. Very small hands for the position.

BOTTOM LINE
Duck-footed, face-up rusher able to generate some power in his rush, Smoot failed to put together the breakout season many predicted after a strong junior showing. He lacks a track record of pass rush production to excite NFL teams as an early round pick, but his athleticism could create an opportunity for him as a 3-4 rush end if given the chance.

Link: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/dawuane-smoot?id=2557839
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Clearly whoever wrote that did there homework...very in-depth analysis there.

I am pumped for Smoot, but I can't help but feel that his senior year was a bit disappointing. I feel like he faded down the stretch. That said, he clearly has all of the tools and now a lot of illini role models to learn from around the league :thumb:
 
#6      

MGR95

M
MGR95
Did Phillips or Nickerson not get drafted, or did I miss it?
 
#12      

FT35

FT35
Naperville
FT35
Wasn't Phillips projected as a possible 1st round draft pick before the season started?

I'm guessing his size could have something to do with the drop. He weighs under 245 lbs according to his draft profile and is projected to be an OLB at the next level.
 
#14      

IlliniIan

I
IlliniIan
MGR95 said:
I think NFL scouts are concerned with him being too one-dimensional and undisciplined against the run. Definitely worth a roster spot though.
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Phillips numbers from the combine are comparable with Whitney Mercelous'. We win one game last year without CP. I was beside myself. I think he finds his way on to a field in the NFL
 
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