Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia | Page 72

Heroism · 2017-10-15T23:37:09-07:00

6'1", 237 lbs 2017 Butkus Award Winner 2017 SEC Defensive Player of the Year 2017 First-team All-SEC 2017 Consensus All-American This guy is skyrocketing up my draft wishlist. Prototypical ILB in our scheme. Highly athletic, physical and technical player with tremendous instincts, play diagnosis and awareness vs run and pass. He's everywhere on the field. His closing speed is silly and isn't afraid to drop the hammer on somebody. Amazing as a blitzer. Closes in on QBs in the blink of an eye. Roquan reminds me a lot of Deion Jones, who is thriving in ATL in the same system we run. With Reuben now moving to MIKE, Roquan would be a perfect fit at the WILL. They would form a ridiculously athletic and violent tandem of hook players in the middle of the defense. Roquan's ability to get to full speed in only a couple steps is crazy. True sideline-to-sideline ability. Baby P-Willy. Physical with an F. In the words of great Tony Montana, "The eyes, chico. They never lie." Roquan's flow processing is elite. Sniffs out the smoke. Roquan Smith (@RoquanSmith1) forced a 3-and-out BY HIMSELF. He is a special talent. #UGAGameFilm pic.twitter.com/VUxBIc7q2m— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) September 10, 2017 Excellent article by the guys over at NDT Scouting.Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith poised to be a star in the NFL We're in a different age of linebacker evaluation than we used to be. Size matters, but not like it once did, and athleticism, range and coverage ability are almost as important as football IQ for linebackers these days. Formerly "undersized" linebackers like Ryan Shazier, Telvin Smith, Deion Jones, Eric Kendricks and Reuben Foster are dominating the NFL, largely because of their movement skills, unique coverage traits and sharp mental processing. Those are the traits that win in today's NFL at linebacker, and somebody is going to have to tell me which of those things Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith is missing. Expected to come in at 6-0, 225 pounds (according to NFL Draft Scout), Smith isn't the biggest linebacker, but he hits like a load of bricks and is one of the surest tacklers in the draft. Scouts can snub their noses at his size, but show me where it is hurting him on tape? Smith consistently evades blockers with quick feet and steady diagnostic skills, which is far more translatable to the NFL than a hulking linebacker who barrels through 320-pound offensive linemen. Roquan's movement skills can't be real. Look at him run around this block tracking Rodney Anderson's every move pic.twitter.com/34IeDyqQx0— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 30, 2018 Too often with linebacker prospects, evaluators get hung up on whether they can get off blocks or not. But if linebackers are constantly getting pinned down at the second level, they either are diagnosing quickly enough, can't beat blockers to spots, getting swarmed over because their defensive front is letting blockers release too easily or their system asked them to scrape off the defensive line's movements a lot. At times Smith was put in the last of these four scenarios, largely because he had the movement skills to cover multiple gaps depending on what his front did. This allowed Georgia to be creative without run blitzing Smith a lot, as his range covered up for a lot of risk elements of moving gaps up front. Smith's range is among the best I've ever scouted. He's going to kill the combine, as his ankles have jet packs attached to them and his ability to change direction and explode in pursuit of the ball is incredible. It was almost impossible for teams to get outside of Georgia in the run game, because Smith's range was so ridiculous and he was so quick to diagnose that is was very difficult to get a hat on him before he took off. Linebackers I've scouted with Roquan's range is a short list pic.twitter.com/tVb0dM2Vx8— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 31, 2018 It shows up in the passing game as well. I can't tell you how many times I watch Smith chase down a play and make a stop around the line of scrimmage as the backside linebacker. Teams were intentionally setting up plays away from him on the perimeter and it did not matter. He is a ridiculous athlete, and an elite tackler in space. I'll do anything @steelers. Anything. pic.twitter.com/z2ONAOJgDf— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 31, 2018 Look at this vision and take-off speed on the play below. Triple option, identifies the first handoff is a fake and just erupts after the ball. Nobody has a prayer of blocking him. For this play it should not be of primary importance to get a hat on the backside linebacker, as the fake should hold him, but with Smith, if you don't change your blocking scheme to account for him, you're cooked. He gets from the core of the formation to the sideline as fast as any linebacker I've seen in my years of scouting. He's the backside linebacker and the play can't even develop he's there so fast. pic.twitter.com/Fm2BvK9CCa— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 30, 2018 Even when you scheme to get a hat on him, good freaking luck. Look at the way he sets up this blocker, cuts back inside of him on a dime, sifts through trash with a new aggressive angle to the ball and eventually makes the tackle. The list of linebackers who can adjust their angle on the fly like that and still cut off the runner, all while throttling down to make a tackle on the perimeter is essentially non-existent. There's like 5 guys in the league, maybe. Look at this man pic.twitter.com/6u3nLvIIE9— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 30, 2018 I wish I would have grabbed more clips, but Smith in coverage is an incredible weapon. In two separate games I watched him blanket wheel routes down the sideline. Against Auburn, Smith had to carry the slot receiver's deep over route to the back corner of the end zone from about 30 yards out, and he smothered the receiver step for step, leaping to knock away the desperation pass just inside the back pylon. Probably one of the most ridiculous coverage plays from a linebacker I've ever seen. I think Smith can be a tad quicker to diagnose certain inside run concepts and improve his spacing in zone coverage, but all the traits are in place for an elite NFL linebacker. He plays with an exceptional motor and consistent physicality, and I've heard nothing but positive things about his football character. There won't be ten better prospects than Smith in this class, and I expect his stock to just keep rising following the combine.

Jan 16, 2018 at 12:27 PM

#1066

Oakland-Niner
Member
Posts: 24,062

Originally posted by Kolohe:

Originally posted by Heroism:

The possibility of the #49ers drafting Roquan Smith at No. 9 or 10 (*coin flip) overall to pair with Reuben Foster is so intriguing. Pairing those two would be unfair and Smith provides insurance in case Foster continues to slip up off of the field.
— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) January 16, 2018

That would bring back the days of Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman, instead of remembering the days Michael Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges.

If everything falls into place, the 49ers could come away from this off season with:

Roquan Smith + Ezekiel Ansah (rumors)

I like this idea and its my preferred choice. Truthfully though, we just need dominate players. The position almost doesn't matter. Outside of QB and maybe LT, we could use an upgrade at every level of the game.

[ Edited by Oakland-Niner on Jan 16, 2018 at 12:27 PM ]

Jan 16, 2018 at 2:06 PM

#1067

Joecool
Veteran
Posts: 70,984

I will admit that if we get Smith and Foster to work behind our very strong DL, it will be ridiculous. Not the highest priority of need but I would not mind since he would be a BPA.

Jan 16, 2018 at 2:27 PM

#1068

CorvaNinerFan
Veteran
Posts: 10,447

I think Roquan will be pretty high on Shanahan's draft board...but whether he's the 1st pick or not somewhat depends on how things fall, once the QB's start flying off the board. If some coveted players fall into Lynch's lap, I'm thinking it could be one of these three: Smith, Bradley Chubb, or Fitzpatrick.

Jan 16, 2018 at 5:25 PM

#1069

Ninerjohn
Veteran
Posts: 67,307

Originally posted by CorvaNinerFan:
I think Roquan will be pretty high on Shanahan's draft board...but whether he's the 1st pick or not somewhat depends on how things fall, once the QB's start flying off the board. If some coveted players fall into Lynch's lap, I'm thinking it could be one of these three: Smith, Bradley Chubb, or Fitzpatrick.

I would be very surprised if either Chubb or Fitzpatrick were available at 9 or 10. My guess is the Niners choice will be either Nelson, Smith, or Jackson unless they move down.

Jan 16, 2018 at 6:09 PM

#1070

Phoenix49ers
Veteran
Posts: 131,277

Originally posted by Ninerjohn:
I would be very surprised if either Chubb or Fitzpatrick were available at 9 or 10. My guess is the Niners choice will be either Nelson, Smith, or Jackson unless they move down.

Ward is another possibility, even if he isn't the perfect size for the scheme, his overall athleticism and length will be quite alluring.

Jan 16, 2018 at 6:51 PM

#1071

Heroism
Veteran
Posts: 26,174

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Ward is another possibility, even if he isn't the perfect size for the scheme, his overall athleticism and length will be quite alluring.

I hope they'll be open-minded about the corner in the draft. It would give them flexibility in what they can do on defense. My favorite corner is Mike Hughes, but I'm not getting my hopes up knowing about this scheme's CB archetype.

[ Edited by Heroism on Jan 16, 2018 at 6:51 PM ]

Jan 16, 2018 at 7:07 PM

#1072

Dillesq
Member
Posts: 1,512

Call me crazy, but of all the prospects that could fall i thin Chubb might. Not because he isn't good but because of what teams are drafting

Jan 16, 2018 at 7:24 PM

#1073

TonyStarks
Veteran
Posts: 62,703

Idt he'll fall to us but he looks like a Luke Keuchkkllleheh type player. I'd be giddy if he does become a niner but not likely going to be.

Jan 16, 2018 at 7:32 PM

#1074

Kolohe
Hall of Fame
Posts: 66,677

Originally posted by Dillesq:
Call me crazy, but of all the prospects that could fall i thin Chubb might. Not because he isn't good but because of what teams are drafting

Anything is possible I'll tell you that. And if he did fall, I would hope that the 49ers would have already signed Ezekiel Ansah or DeMarcus Lawrence. Because I'd like to choose Smith over Chubb.

Jan 17, 2018 at 2:44 AM

#1075

SmokeCrabtrees
Veteran
Posts: 15,580

Originally posted by Kolohe:
Originally posted by Dillesq:
Call me crazy, but of all the prospects that could fall i thin Chubb might. Not because he isn't good but because of what teams are drafting

Anything is possible I'll tell you that. And if he did fall, I would hope that the 49ers would have already signed Ezekiel Ansah or DeMarcus Lawrence. Because I'd like to choose Smith over Chubb.

Chubb will not be at #9 guaranteed IMO.

Jan 17, 2018 at 7:17 AM

#1076

4912
Member
Posts: 2,975

If we don't land Smith it will be the worst mistake in franchise history. Actually it might be the biggest mistake in the entire history of the NFL. Scratch that, the biggest mistake in the history of the planet earth!!!!

Ok, the biggest mistake in the history of the universe.

I know how overstatement is required here, plus I'm obsessed with the thought of a Smith's Foster LB corp.

[ Edited by 4912 on Jan 17, 2018 at 7:31 AM ]

Jan 17, 2018 at 7:29 AM

#1077

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

Originally posted by 4912:
If we don't land Smith it will be the worst mistake in franchise history. Actually it might be the biggest mistake in the entire history of the NFL. Scratch that, the biggest mistake in the history of the planet earth!!!!

Ok, the biggest mistake in the history of the universe.

I know how overstatement is required here, plus I'm obsessed with the thought of Smith's Foster LB corp.

Yeah, I'd cream my pants with a Foster/Smith duo.

Jan 17, 2018 at 7:45 AM

#1078

NYniner85
Veteran
Posts: 118,769

Originally posted by mayo49:

Originally posted by 4912:
If we don't land Smith it will be the worst mistake in franchise history. Actually it might be the biggest mistake in the entire history of the NFL. Scratch that, the biggest mistake in the history of the planet earth!!!!

Ok, the biggest mistake in the history of the universe.

I know how overstatement is required here, plus I'm obsessed with the thought of Smith's Foster LB corp.

Yeah, I'd cream my pants with a Foster/Smith duo.

mayo would have a little mayo in his pants

Jan 17, 2018 at 8:35 AM

#1079

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by mayo49:

Originally posted by 4912:
If we don't land Smith it will be the worst mistake in franchise history. Actually it might be the biggest mistake in the entire history of the NFL. Scratch that, the biggest mistake in the history of the planet earth!!!!

Ok, the biggest mistake in the history of the universe.

I know how overstatement is required here, plus I'm obsessed with the thought of Smith's Foster LB corp.

Yeah, I'd cream my pants with a Foster/Smith duo.

mayo would have a little mayo in his pants

Jan 17, 2018 at 10:02 AM

#1080

9moon
Veteran
Posts: 22,095

The question we need to worry about is who should we take if Saquon, Minkah and The Roq are still there w/the 9th overall?