Derron Smith to Cincinnati Bengals: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Cincinnati Bengals flipped right back to defense in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft and scooped up Fresno State safety Derron Smith at No. 197.

A four-year starter with the Bulldogs, Smith has the look of an every-down player at the next level, which explains coach Marvin Lewis' willingness to make the pick despite already grabbing a versatile defensive back in Josh Shaw at No. 120.

Smith fell to Day 3 for a number of reasons. First, he's a tad small at 5'10" and 200 pounds. He's unafraid to put his body on the line against the run once he knifes through the defense and into a ball-carrier, but his size hurts.

Second, he had a down year last season as he overexerted himself in an effort to make up for a miserable unit around him.

The negatives end there.

Tackles	TFL	Passes defensed	Interceptions
297	13.5	33	15

As the numbers from CBSSports.com show, Smith was wildly productive in college and has a nose for the football. A line from Rob Rang's analysis says it all: "He is a prolific takeaway machine and a generally reliable open-field tackler."

Smith is the definition of a modern NFL safety. He can patrol the line of scrimmage and hold his own. He can drop back and play center field, reading the quarterback's eyes and getting into position to secure the takeaway.

In fact, Bengals defensive backs coach Mark Carrier put it best in a conference call after the selection, per Jeremy Rauch of Fox19 Cincinnati:

For his part, Smith wasn't too thrilled about his slide down the draft board, as Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer captures:

Many shared the opinion, including Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke:

Smith couldn't be in a better situation, though.

As a rookie, he will be one of the most notable big-hitters on special teams and might see a few snaps as an extra safety at times. He also has experience as a kick returner, something the team may take into account when it comes time to trim the roster. As a result, Smith might bump others off board. 

This time next year, he could compete for a starting gig, since Reggie Nelson will be 32 years old and a free agent. 

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Smith is a lot like George Iloka, who was highly productive in college but fell all the way to No. 167. With a chip on his shoulder, Iloka has blossomed since and last year ranked as the No. 12 safety in the NFL at Pro Football Focus.

The Bengals already have one starter for the future with Iloka. Shawn Williams still waits in the wings, and Shaw has upside as a safety too. But there's a starting position on the roster for Smith down the road if his college film is any sign and his adaption to the pro level goes well.

Once again, it appears the Bengals have made one of their best picks of the draft late while addressing the safety position. Considering it's one of the worst positions league-wide, the ability to unearth gems such as Smith will go a long way in keeping the Bengals in playoff contention.

Grade: A

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and accurate as of May 2. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.