Lombardy Award Winner Andre Smith's Is the Best Lineman in the Draft

Best lineman in the draft? Call me a homer but I feel confident saying that.

Everyone in the South and especially Alabama became aware of Andre Smith in the fall of 2005. Smith was the number one rated lineman in America according to Rivals. 

Andre was big 6’4” 310lbs, but that size isn’t unheard of even at the high school  level these days. What set Andre apart was his strength and what he did on the field.

In the gym, Andre was power clinging some ridiculous numbers but on the field he mauled everyone he played against in his Huffman High School Career.

As signing day approached Alabama coach Mike Shula the head coach of Alabama worked hard to get his signature and shortly after the birth of Mike Shula’s child his father, legendary NFL coach Don Shula’s first question was “how was the baby?” his second question was “did you sign that big lineman?”

Later that summer Alabama’s offensive line coach was asked if Andre would start as a true freshman, he just laughed and walked away. The reporter debated if this was a good thing or a bad but by time Alabama lined up that fall Andre was starting at left tackle and would do so for the next three years.

Most believed in short order that big dre, or “Smitty” as Nick Saban always referred to him would only be around for three years and that was the case.

Andre Smith has excellent feet but has had issues in the past with extremely fast speed rushers. For that reason some have speculated he could wind up at guard in the NFL. 

There is no question he could play either position. A long time recruiting analyst was asked to compare him to other recruits he had seen in the past. He said Smith reminded him of former Outland trophy winner and long time Redskin tackle Chris Samuels but added that  Smith was bigger and much stronger.

Smiths who plays at 340 now has a rare strength. I’m talking that country boy sort of strength that defies his appearance,  he is a tenacious blocker. No matter how nice and well mannered he he may seem during interviews. Don’t get in front of him on the field. 

I have seen many a YouTube video over the years of Andre pancaking or blind siding some unsuspecting player far away from the action. When asked why his answer was always the same, “Because he was standing.”

A coach will never have to yell at Smith for not finishing. Smith was well known wiping out his man and then getting much further down field to throw a block than you would ever expect a big man to get. 

In one case he somehow beat running back Glenn coffee to the end zone and demolished some poor safety who was in his way. 

Smith can get in the air for chest bumps and can reportedly dunk a basketball flat footed. 

Smith would best fit a team that lives off the power running game. Alabama employed zone blocking at times in his career and he’s smart and nimble enough to do that well but his strength is in his road grating strength so to take advantage of his abilities a team who runs right at you would be the best fit.  

NFL coaches are always looking at the measurable: Smith has the size, but when they see what this guy can do athletically they will see why SEC coaches breathed a sign of relief when Smith decided to forgo his senior year at Alabama. 

I believe once NFL Scouts see this guy up close they will make him the No. 1 rated lineman in the draft.

Besides, Smitty makes a mean tight end as well.