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Draft Profile: Za’Darius Smith

By Austin Sutcliffe

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It is not very often that a player transfers from a community college and has the amount of impact on and off the field that Za’Darius Smith has had at Kentucky. Smith, a 6 foot 4 defensive 274 pound defensive end not only took the SEC by storm but kept proving his worth in the off season by winning defensive MVP in the East vs West Shrine game. Next up for Za’Darius Smith is the NFL, and one AFC scout sees big potential in Big Z.

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"“He will play hard for you and has a chance to be a tone-setter in camp, but I don’t think he’s going to be more than just a worker bee and depth player.” — AFC national scout"

Pro Day Results

Broad Jump- 9 feet 4 inches

Vertical Jump- 28 1/2 inches

40 Yard Dash- 4.75

The body of work that Smith has portrayed has had his name trending at times. The size and upper body strength that he possesses is enough to cause any offensive lineman fits. However, what trips him up is his lateral quickness. Once he is in one gear, he tends to stay in that gear and at some times can have trouble shifting his momentum to a more positive angle. Dane Brugler of CBS has noted a few weaknesses that Smith will need to improve on as he progresses his game.

"Adequate initial quickness to run the arc, but needs to better control his momentum. Wild pursuit angles, struggling to stop his momentum on a dime and redirect at full speed. Has some stiff, rigid movements in space. Can be driven backwards and needs to improve his high pad level to play with better leverage and anchor. Routinely pops upright and needs to better protect himself vs. cut blocks. Needs to show more creativity and better shoulder dip as an edge rusher, not fooling blockers with his current bag of tricks. Plays high so he tends to hit high, which leads to helmet hits and smaller ballcarriers breaking free. Still relatively new to the game and learning the details of the position."

The overview of Za’Darius Smith is that he is still a raw prospect. A basketball player still attempting to mold himself into a football thinker has the build and work ethic to be special. A 3rd to 4th round selection is what seems to be the feel, but all Big Z needs now is a teacher to guide him to his full potential. Scott Carasik of the bleacher report sees the potential that lies ahead. 

"Smith has the talent to become a top base end in the NFL, as he plays with the power, strength, motor and quickness to make an impact. However, he needs a coach who is willing to put in the work to teach him how to play football.Teams will have to work hard with him on the leverage needed for his play, and the ideal strategies for him to use at the pro level. Smith is a malleable ball of clay and has some talent to work with, and hopefully, he works well with his coaching staff to develop these traits."

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