2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: EDGE Za'Darius Smith

Atlanta could use multiple edge-defenders in this year's draft to build a top-notch rotation, and Za'Darius Smith would be a good fit for the Falcons' scheme as a strong-side defensive end. He's the teammate of another prospect that could wind up in Atlanta in Bud Dupree as well.

Smith has the frame, talent and athleticism to fit in the scheme new head coach Dan Quinn is going to run in Atlanta. Smith as the strong-side end in the rotation is a great fit for him, as he's similar athletically to Red Bryant and Tyson Alualu without the size.

Za'Darius Smith

Edge Player

University of Kentucky

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'4-1/2" Weight: 274 pounds

Arm Length: 32-5/8" Hand Measurement: 10"

40-yard dash: 4.73 sec. 10-yard split: 1.70 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.63 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.42 sec. Bench Reps: 23 reps

Vertical Jump: 29.0" Broad Jump: 9'5"

Stats (From CFB Stats)

2014: 12 Games Played, 60 Tackles, 7.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.5 Sacks, 3 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Recovered, 2 Pass Deflections

2013: 12 Games Played, 59 Tackles, 6.5 Tackles for Loss, 6.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 Pass Deflection

2012: Played at East Mississippi Community College (Junior College level)

2011: Played at East Mississippi Community College (Junior College level)

Scouting Report

Strengths

Smith's best traits come from his power and punch off the line. He can rock almost any offensive lineman with his initial burst and continues to attack on every single play. The motor he plays with is fun to watch—especially since Dupree played with similar drive on the other side.

He can bend the edge effectively from either the left or the right side. He's also got a ton of athleticism as a former basketball player. He has excellent closing speed for a man his size and displays the strength needed from a guy his size too.

Weaknesses

As solid as he is as a pass-rusher, Smith has a ton of trouble maintaining his leverage and motor in the run game. He's extremely raw and needs to develop better hands to help both his pass rush and his run defense. He's very inexperienced, and it shows in his game.

He has trouble reading cues in the backfield and can get beat easily on counters and misdirection plays, as he hasn't seen many of them before. He needs experience above all. He also tends to play too high at times, leaving his lower body too open for someone to cut or drive him low.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Smith may not have been a captain, but he was a great example for younger players with his high motor, great work ethic and ability to not get arrested nor suspended during his time at Kentucky. He definitely had solid productivity and showed potential to be a starting talent in the pros.

Smith went to the Senior Bowl and showed his work ethic there as well. There don't seem to be any questions about the quality of a person he is off the field. Atlanta should fall in love with Smith off the field and find him as someone worth keeping on their board.

Overview

Smith has the talent to become a top base end in the NFL, as he plays with the power, strength, motor and quickness to make an impact. However, he needs a coach who is willing to put in the work to teach him how to play football. He still looks like a basketball player trying to adjust his body for a new game.

Teams will have to work hard with him on the leverage needed for his play, and the ideal strategies for him to use at the pro level. Smith is a malleable ball of clay and has some talent to work with, and hopefully, he works well with his coaching staff to develop these traits.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Smith will likely be a mid-late round pick in the draft Atlanta could likely acquire in the fifth round on draft day. He'd be a good rotational fit for the team as a strong-side defensive end with Malliciah Goodman, Tyson Jackson and Adrian Clayborn in the rotation with him.

As a cheaper and quicker option than Jackson, he could wind up taking his spot on the team if he's the selection. Smith wouldn't be an ideal fit for the Falcons current needs and might have to spend a year on the practice squad just to find a spot on the roster in 2016.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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