With the 175th pick of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select… Sutton Smith, EDGE - Northern Illinois.
Notes from NFL.com:
Undersized, edge-based antagonist for a variety of tackles, quarterbacks and offensive coordinators on his schedule. Smith lacks functional size and struggled in matchups against Senior Bowl tackles so his gaudy college sack total is less likely to carry as much weight with NFL teams. He has the demeanor to fit right into special teams work while his quickness, aggression and hand usage could land him a backup inside linebacker role with the potential to be utilized as a sub-package blitzer.
Strengths:
- Pass rush dynamo on college level
- Continued acceleration from snap to sack
- Short and plays even lower to dip and run the edge
- Consistent video game production totals since 2017
- Posted 56.5 tackles for loss, 29 sacks and four defense/special team touchdowns
- Above-average rush plan with efficient, accurate hand usage
- Plays with tenacity and big man swagger
- Displays ability to slip blocks in space
- Latches and refuses to let go as tackler
- Maintains blitz potential from a new position
- Traits to become a special teams warrior
Weaknesses:
- Built like a WILL linebacker
- Looked out of place at Senior Bowl
- Frequently ragdolled by tackles in practice
- Likely candidate for a new position
- Needs to prove ability to handle cover duties
- Instincts appear to be average
- Struggles counter and defeat move blocks that stick him
- Quick, but lacks sideline-to-sideline speed
- Lateral agility is below average for linebacker
Sources Tell Us:
"He's too tiny to stay at rush backer. The poor kid's pro day is going to be interesting because they are going to have him working with every position group trying to find a new position for him." -- Personnel director for NFC team
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