2015 NFL Draft Profile: FS Derron Smith, Fresno State
Derron Smith is a very athletic ballhawking free safety from Fresno State. He specializes in turning a defense into offense. He has a knack for intercepting passes and taking it to the house. Smith has potential to develop into a game changer for the team that drafts him.
Smith is short and small for NFL standards. He 5′ 10″ and weighs just 200 pounds. Smith figures to be drafted anywhere from the late first round to the 3rd round. Teams willing to take a chance on Smith will see a speedy free safety who has ball skills. The teams who pass on Smith see an undersized risk taker in the back-end of their defense.
GMENHQ Big Board Ranking: 28th Overall Prospect
Strengths:
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- Ball skills: He has good hands and is a weapon when he has the football
- Could be a good kick returner
- Good speed
- Plays fast: reads and instantly reacts
- Good vertical ability to tip and intercept passes
Concerns:
- Inconsistent, takes bad angles
- Not a great tackler: He can really lay the wood, but is often an ineffective tackler
- Not ideal size: Smith is limited to what he can do because of his size and lack of strength
- Risk taker: This trait can be a good thing but it is also a bad thing. He will abandon assignment if he thinks he can get the football, which can give up some big plays
Overall, the New York Giants should at least consider Smith in the second or third round. He would be good value, his athletic ability and his ball skills will help him get on the field as a rookie. He needs a lot of coaching, but he is a good prospect.