Dawuane Smoot - Illinois

Position: OLB
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 264 lbs.
Year: Senior
Hometown: Groveport, Ohio
Experience: Two-Year Starter
 

Measurables

40yd dash: 4.77s
Broad jump: 117 in.
Vertical: 29.5 in.
3-cone: 7.18s
20yd. Shuttle: 4.39s
Bench Press: DNP

Career Notes:

It took Smoot a year to work his way into the regular rotation at Illinois, but after playing in every game his sophomore year, he secured his spot as a starter during his junior season. His versatile skill set made him a tricky player for offensive lines who had to face him as an inside rusher and on the edge.

In high school, Smoot was 50 pounds lighter, at a lean 215 lbs. and competed in the 400m hurdles against national competition. His lower-body power was able to shine on the defensive line where he racked up 12 sacks and nearly 40 tackles for loss in his two years as a starter.

His senior season under Lovie Smith saw Smoot’s sack total decline a bit from his junior season, but he remained a presence in a lot of quarterbacks’ pockets. For his efforts as a senior, he was awarded a spot on the All-Big Ten Third team, voted on by media and coaches.

Injury Report: Smoot suffered no major injuries in his time at Illinois.

Career Stats(click here): 

Analysis:

Against the Run 2.75/5.0: Smoot’s ability to anchor in against the run was impressive at times, and lackluster at others. He could disappear for games at a time in run defense. He was reliable to follow his assignment and plug gaps, allowing linebackers to clean up runs for short gains. He rarely flashed the power to knock NFL-tier offensive linemen off of their position. He also ended up on his back a few too many times for it to be a fluke.

Pass Rush 3.25/5.0: Against average or subpar lineman, Smoot showed impressive bend and a quick first step to disrupt a quarterback. He improved his spin move noticeably from his junior to senior season, but it was still inconsistent for him. He also flashed an inside move that could be dangerous if it were more consistent. Smoot had a tendency to stall for the course of entire games. Without a go-to counter move, he was often forced to opt for a bull rush, which was his primary means for disrupting pockets. He played equally well standing up as he did with his hand in the dirt.

Agility 2.5/5.0: Smoot’s athleticism will not be the thing that keeps him on the field, but it will not be the thing that takes him off the field either. He showed enough quickness on his inside moves and in reacting to screens to be trusted to stay on the field.

Impact Play Ability 3.0/5.0: While he didn’t light up the stat sheet, Smoot’s 5 sacks in his senior year are indicative of a player who will serve a defense well. He was often asked to plug gaps for linebackers in the run and close a pocket as opposed to rushing the quarterback by any means necessary in the pass. Even so, he frequented backfields in the run using his speed and power as effectively as possible.

Summary: Smoot is a reliable addition to a weak side linebacker spot. He is a little too inconsistent to ask him to stand up to the run game on the strong side in the NFL, but he could develop into a disruptive pass rusher late into his rookie contract. He already has the size to hold up against offensive linemen one-on-one, and if he can improve his stack-and-shed technique, he’ll be a fine defender in the run.

Overall Grade: 2.9 /5.0

If Drafted by the Packers:

A solid value in the third and fourth rounds, Smoot could be a Day 2 or Day 3 pick-up if the Packers pass up the first tier of pass rushers in the first two rounds. With the Packers retaining veterans Clay Matthews and Nick Perry, Smoot adds depth to the pass rushing position alongside Jayrone Elliott and Kyler Fackrell. He would fly way under the radar for his first couple years in Green Bay, but in Dom Capers’ defense, Smoot could thrive with more isolated looks at tackles.

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