The NY Giants continued to bolster their pass rushing unit in the NFL Draft, selecting Northern Iowa’s Elerson Smith with their fourth round pick.
The edge rusher possesses unique potential for a day three pick, due to his athleticism and size. While his strength has been a question mark, Smith actually came to the Senior Bowl bigger and stronger than the last time he was scouted – following a long layoff due to UNI’s season cancellation.
The Giants’ brass have put a lot of stock into the Senior Bowl throughout Gettleman’s tenure – it’s where they fell in love with their quarterback, Daniel Jones. Joe Judge even voiced the increased importance of the event during this year’s draft, saying “Zooms nice, personal interaction is critical.”
The team was impressed enough with Smith’s upside and journey that they selected him over bigger needs, like the offensive line. If Patrick Graham and Sean Spencer can get the most out of the Giants’ fourth round pick, the pick will look like another shrewd move for the front office.
Here’s a breakdown of the good, and the bad of the NY Giants drafting of Elerson Smith, as well as a grade for the move:
The good:
Smith’s numbers while playing at Northern Iowa are stuff of legends. In 2019, the last season he played, he showed out – dominating to the tune of 63 total tackles, 14 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 4 pass deflections and two blocked kicks.
While it may have been against FCS talent, those numbers can’t be undercut – they’re impressive.
The pass rusher’s athleticism is something that catches the eyes of teams as well, his length and speed making talent evaluators rewind his tape over and over. He also has a background in basketball, wrestling and track and field – his nimbleness proving he’s not just a bulldozer.
Smith joining a pass rushing group with Azeez Olujari, Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines gives the Giants a multitude of edge rushers with athleticism to spare. Graham might have to hold off Marvel’s Nick Fury before he comes calling trying to get them to join The Avengers.
You can never have too many high upside pass rushers – in Graham’s cunning defense, Smith will be a player to watch.