NFL Draft 2011: Aldon Smith’s 2011 NFL Draft Profile for the Arizona Cardinals

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NFL Draft 2011: Aldon Smith’s 2011 NFL Draft profile for the Arizona Cardinals.

Player: Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri

Age: 21

Height: 6’4 1/4”

Weight: 263

2010 Stats: 48 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup.

Career Stats (2 seasons): 112 tackles, 17 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery.

(What you are about to read is an amalgamation of perspectives from CNNSI.com, ESPN.com, and NFL DraftScout.com. In theory, that should make the resulting scouting report superior to any of those aforementioned.)

Strengths: Uber-athletic, long arms, and very good first-step quickness. Quick feet, and excellent chance of direction skills when rushing, all the while playing with solid discipline and the awareness to keep contain.

Projects to be—eventually—an exceedingly versatile player. Has flashed the ability to rush the passer from the inside or off the edge, and looks fluid for his size when dropping into underneath coverage. Projects well as either a RDE or a ROLB in a 3-4 scheme (though he’ll need time to grow into either role).

Strong intangibles and is willing to play through injury.

Backside effort is a little inconsistent, but can make plays in pursuit because of his speed.

Weaknesses: Tall and lean; will have to add bulk to play DE in the NFL…though his best position may yet prove to be OLB.

Plays too high at times and needs to do a better job of protecting his lower body (upper body is more developed).

Can struggle to anchor at the point of attack against bigger offensive tackles (and clearly this will be an issue in the NFL should he stay at defensive end).

Is something of a finesse player, and scouts have reported that he seems more a follower than a leader.

Has been dinged up at times, and missed three games in 2010 due to a fractured right fibula.

Lastly, I liked the phrasing on this tidbit from ESPN: “Can be somewhat of a pile inspector.”

Perspectives:

From Derek Harper/Jeff Reynolds, The Sports Xchange:

Opinion on Smith's value has been split. He has a long, lean frame with room to add bulk and shows natural pass-rush skills and potential to develop with NFL coaching. Not likely fluid enough for a move to linebacker, Smith also showed average strength at the combine, a longstanding concern for scouts evaluating underclass defensive ends. Some consider him a better inside pass rusher, and teams such as the Giants and Rams, who value depth at the position, might be in position to maximize his current skill set while he develops.

Why he’s a fit for Arizona:

I suppose this depends on your evaluation of Aldon Smith. If you project him as a Belichickian 3-4 DE/OLB, than he’s a perfect fit for the Cardinals. He’s their rusher off the edge.

If you see him as a tweener—not sufficiently strong for DE, not sufficiently agile for OLB—his value lowers considerably. The Cardinals would have no place to put him.

As it stands, I believe Smith is of interest to Arizona, but only in the event of a trade back. Should the Cardinals end up in the teens, count on him getting a look.

(Check out this week's Arizona Cardinals draft blog.)

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