Harrison Smith to Vikings: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Notre Dame's Harrison Smith is, if nothing else, productive. The only player in Notre Dame's long and illustrious history to record more than 200 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 15 pass break ups in a career, Smith comes to the NFL with a solid, if not spectacular, set of skills and real leadership qualities. 

The 6' 1" former Golden Domer has played both safety and linebacker during his collegiate career, but made his mark at safety, where he displayed a knack for being able to facilitate communication throughout the secondary as well as play all over the field, from deep center field to taking on tight ends at the line of scrimmage.

What the Experts Are Saying: 

Strength: 

From NFL Network's Chad Reuter:

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Stands out as a lengthy athlete who has range to match NFL speed across the defensive backfield. He is extremely reliable and effective in run support, which comes from his ability to read and react to plays on a quick twitch off the snap. As a pass-defender, he is able to read the ball in the air and make plays all across the back end of the defense. He is able to read the quarterback well in zone and uses his athletic ability to turn and run to make plays on the ball. If he is in position, he will make the big interception.

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Weakness: 

From the Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki:

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Inconsistent hands — can do a better job tracking the deep ball. A bit stiff and leggy and can be exposed against speed and quickness in man coverage. Shows some tightness in transition and is a tick late to open up his hips. Will leave his feet and miss tackles in space — is best in confined spaces. Not an explosive striker. Lacks elite back-half range and could be stressed by NFL blazers. 

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Smith is not the dynamic-playmaking type of NFL safety we've come to enjoy watching in the likes of Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu, but he is certainly ready to play right away in the NFL, especially if asked to add physicality and consistency to a secondary. 

Pick Analysis:

The Vikings traded back into the first round to snag Smith, who is a sure tackler from the safety position. Might've been a slight reach, but should help.