NY Giants 2021 NFL Draft grades for every pick

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AMES, IA – AUGUST 31: Defensive lineman Elerson Smith #16 of the Northern Iowa Panthers tackles running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Round 4, pick No. 117: Elerson Smith, EDGE, Northern Iowa

Elerson Smith, at 6-foot-7 and 262 pounds, is one of the longer prospects at the position and might be one of the more explosive, as well.

Likely a 3-4 outside linebacker in Graham’s scheme, his versatility to put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end will serve him well in getting on the field for quality pass-rush snaps.

Smith says that he prefers to use a bull-rush move, but has a vast repertoire to fight off opposing offensive tackles.

If Graham can harness Smith’s athleticism, he has the potential to be an impact player in the NY Giants’ front-seven.

Grade: B+

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