Is Kevin Smith The Best Runningback in the NFL DRAFT? (Be The Judge For Yourself)

[RealCowboyfan]

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kevin+Smith+UCF&search_type=

[Big Dakota]

Is Underdog the greatest super hero of all time? Judge for yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_-mMIClI14

[RealCowboyfan]

This would answer your question::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNL869c4iog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exyZ12hGTk0&feature=related

[the kid 05]

This would answer your question::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNL869c4iog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exyZ12hGTk0&feature=related

two plays againts sub par teams...

[Spectre]

runs a little too upright and gliding for me.

[CalCBFan]

I'd like to get a back that had some experience in catching passes out of the backfield, picking up blitzes and blocking. I think he'd be fine in the 3rd or 4th rnd, as a bkup to MBIII, but in the pros, he's going to have to be able to catch a pass every now and then...

[CrazyCowboy]

He is good .....for a 3rd rd pickup

[Hoofbite]

Those videos aren't very flattering.

Give me this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck_5prAxNVY&feature=related

[tunahelper]

Rice is a beast, but the only concern in my mind is can he catch the ball well?

[jackrussell]

Ahhhhh.....youtube scouting...gotta love it.

[dooomsday]

Ahhhhh.....youtube scouting...gotta love it.


Yeah, I will just stick to Direct TV Scouting.

After watching the combine I have dropped Smith a few spots (fyi, in the event my draft board ends up on the "web".).

[big dog cowboy]

Ahhhhh.....youtube scouting...gotta love it.
Was going to post that but thought I'd let someone say it first.

[zack]

Those videos aren't very flattering.

Give me this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck_5prAxNVY&feature=related

Yeah, I am with you on this guy. He has good moves, runs tough, and looks like Emmitt Smith!

[Sarge]

Was going to post that but thought I'd let someone say it first.

Yep - everyone's an expert now...................:p:

[peplaw06]

NO.... he's not.

[Hostile]

Yep - everyone's an expert now...................:p:Breaking down the word expert.

Ex...a prefix meaning former, or used to be.

Spurt (alternate spelling)...is a drip under pressure.

[Joe Rod]

I'd like to get a back that had some experience in catching passes out of the backfield, picking up blitzes and blocking. I think he'd be fine in the 3rd or 4th rnd, as a bkup to MBIII, but in the pros, he's going to have to be able to catch a pass every now and then...

I'm not sure where you get that from. Kevin Smith is a good blocker and was very good at picking up blitzes. He was also quite good at catching the ball in stride when thrown to. In case you don't believe me (a person who has watched him in roughly seven games per year for the last three years), here is a blurb from NFL Draft Countdown:

"Soft hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield...An adequate blocker..Was extraordinarily productive."

Whoever you got that info from did not watch Kevin Smith play in very many live games. The only question he has coming out is his speed and level of competition. The competition question is valid, but he can only play who is on the schedule. I can tell you that he certainly plays faster than he times and he was not caught from behind often in a live game.

[Biggems]

Yeah, I will just stick to Direct TV Scouting.

After watching the combine I have dropped Smith a few spots (fyi, in the event my draft board ends up on the "web".).


gotta love those combine RANKERS......

well I watched 3 of his games....one of them against my Longhorns....and the guy was quite studly. He ran with power and determination. He seemed to be able to find the hole with ease. He dispalyed good vision and nice burst through the hole.

I will admit that he does run high at times and takes a pounding....but at the same time, he seems to always come back for more. I think once he gets into the NFL he might want to run out of bounds a few times.

[BHendri5]

not even close.
Ray Rice is the guy you need to be watching

[tomson75]

not even close.
Ray Rice is the guy you need to be watching

This makes me nervous. Everyone seems to be watching him now. McShay mentions him above Stewart now. Boylhart has him as the second best back in the draft.

I'm starting to think he won't be there at our pick in the second round. :mad:

[Biggems]

As long as we draft a RB that wore Burnt Orange and White in college, I will be happy.

[RealCowboyfan]

I believe he is the best running back in the draft, why? ok let me show you....

Compared to the "so called best" like::

Darren McFadden :: Who I think is the second best.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Darren+McFadden&search_type=

325 Carries - 1896 rushing yards - 5.8 Yd Average Per Carry - 16 Touchdowns



Some say Johnathan Stewart (who is currently hurt)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Jonathan%20Stewart&search=Search&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&spell=1

280 Carries - 1798 Rushing Yards - 6.4 Average Yd Per Carry - 11 Touchdowns

Now For The Ray Rice Fans
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ray+Rice&search_type=

380 Carries - 2069 Rushing Yards - 5.4 Average Yd Per Carry - 24 Touchdowns


For The Felix Jones Fans (I don't blame you for arguing) Felix Jones
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Felix+Jones&search_type=

133 Carries - 1199 Rushing Yards - 9.0 Average Yd Per Carry - 11 Touchdowns

For The Rashard Mendenhall Fans ( Have your moment)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rashard+Mendenhall&search_type=

262 Carries - 1742 Rushing Yards - 6.6 Average Yd Per Carry - 17 Touchdowns

Now, Since I saved the best for last.... (KEVIN SMITH)

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kevin+Smith+UCF&search_type

450 Carries - 2678 Rushing Yards - 6.0 Average Yd Per Carry - 29 Touchdowns

[Biggems]

I believe he is the best running back in the draft, why? ok let me show you....

Compared to the "so called best" like::

Darren McFadden :: Who I think is the second best.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Darren+McFadden&search_type=

325 Carries - 1896 rushing yards - 5.8 Yd Average Per Carry - 16 Touchdowns



Some say Johnathan Stewart (who is currently hurt)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Jonathan%20Stewart&search=Search&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&spell=1

280 Carries - 1798 Rushing Yards - 6.4 Average Yd Per Carry - 11 Touchdowns

Now For The Ray Rice Fans
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ray+Rice&search_type=

380 Carries - 2069 Rushing Yards - 5.4 Average Yd Per Carry - 24 Touchdowns


For The Felix Jones Fans (I don't blame you for arguing) Felix Jones
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Felix+Jones&search_type=

133 Carries - 1199 Rushing Yards - 9.0 Average Yd Per Carry - 11 Touchdowns

For The Rashard Mendenhall Fans ( Have your moment)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rashard+Mendenhall&search_type=

262 Carries - 1742 Rushing Yards - 6.6 Average Yd Per Carry - 17 Touchdowns

Now, Since I saved the best for last.... (KEVIN SMITH)

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kevin+Smith+UCF&search_type

450 Carries - 2678 Rushing Yards - 6.0 Average Yd Per Carry - 29 Touchdowns


Kevin Smith was the UCF offense....everyone knew it....and only one team, South Florida, was able to stop it. He was their workhorse, the locomotive......he was definitely the little engine that could. This kid opened my eyes against Texas, and completely won me over with his final two games of the year.

He is the RB I want, if we do not draft Jamaal Charles.

[jackrussell]

....and the guy was quite studly..


Dude....

[Biggems]

Dude....


Yes I said it....and I wasnt talking about his looks....i was talking about his game.

[big dog cowboy]

....and the guy was quite studly.
Dude....
:lmao2: :lmao2: :lmao2:

[AsthmaField]

I'm starting to think he won't be there at our pick in the second round. :mad:


I don't think there's any way Rice makes it to our second round pick. Had the draft been a month ago, I don't think he would've made it there. IMO, he's been on the radar of NFL talent evaluators since the end of the season.

If we want him, I think we'll have to "bundle" (as Jerry says) and move significantly up in round two.

[AsthmaField]

And just for the record... I wouldn't be upset at all with Kevin Smith at our second round choice.

[Paniolo22]

runs a little too upright and gliding for me.

So did Robert Smith and Eric Dickerson.

[DallasEast]

Kevin Smith is a very good back, but he's not the consensus best running back in this draft. That title belongs to McFadden; and even though we're very likely will not get him, it's not a very good reason for underrating him.

[CM Duck]

runs a little too upright and gliding for me.

the Cowboys use 2 have a RB named Smith that ran a little upright, just couldnt tell as much since he was a little "short" for an NFL RB, and had a glide to his style.....lol ;)

[Rampage]

the guy has been putting up big numbers against highschool type competition.

[Silverstar]

self explanatory...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4miK7GnuSAI


:)

[sinner]

runs a little too upright and gliding for me.

Agreed! What's wrong with finding a speedy back?

[Biggems]

Agreed! What's wrong with finding a speedy back?

speed is only good if you can do something with it.....im tired of guys like Randall Williams, Alexander Wright, and Tyson Thompson with all this blazing speed, and yet doing little to nothing for us.

What good is speed, if the guy who has it, can't do anything productive with it?

[ZB9]

Dallas should get a back with BREAKAWAY SPEED to compliment Barber imo. They need a "home run threat" at the running back position imo.

[ThreeSportStar80]

Kevin Smith in the 2nd or 3rd round would be a nice pickup for Dallas, he's got proven homerun speed and power and probably the best vision of any running back in this draft....

[tomson75]

Kevin Smith in the 2nd or 3rd round would be a nice pickup for Dallas, he's got proven homerun speed and power and probably the best vision of any running back in this draft....

Ray Rice doesn't have breakaway speed...yet somehow runs faster than Kevin Smith. He might have something to say about that vision comment too.

[ctrous25]

here's a quick answer "NO"

[Joe Rod]

the guy has been putting up big numbers against highschool type competition.

Here are his numbers against Texas, who, as I recall, ended the season ranked Number 10 in the Nation:

27 Attempts, 157 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs, 5.5 YPC.

Considering Texas stacked eight in the box to stop him the whole game, that is impressive. I don't agree that he is the best running back in the Draft, but he might end up being the best value for the pick.

By the way, Texas finished the year sixth in rushing Defense.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Ray Rice doesn't have breakaway speed...yet somehow runs faster than Kevin Smith. He might have something to say about that vision comment too.

Rice has a diffiiclut time getting past the safeties once hes in the secondary. They almost always track him down. If its not his speed its something else.

That being said just from looking at those clips, Smith seems to have decent speed agility and vision he just doesnt have the burst and second gear that I like to see.. id rather have a guy that can accelerate at will rather than a long strider that cannot regardless of how fast he is..

[tomson75]

Rice has a diffiiclut time getting past the safeties once hes in the secondary. They almost always track him down. If its not his speed its something else.

That being said just from looking at those clips, Smith seems to have decent speed agility and vision he just doesnt have the burst and second gear that I like to see.. id rather have a guy that can accelerate at will rather than a long strider that cannot regardless of how fast he is..

I don't know why you even bother responding to my posts about Rice...you know we're not going to budge either way. :D

...and I hope you're not suggesting Rice is a long strider and is unable to accelerate???????????

[DaBoys4Life]

is it still april fools?

[Hostile]

Agreed! What's wrong with finding a speedy back?Great username.

:welcome: to the Zone.

[lspain1]

I am most definitely NOT an expert so my opinion ranks far below the "informed" opinions in this thread. That being understood I have a few questions.

What makes a great NFL back? Speed? Vision? Burst? The ability to make the first guy miss in traffic? Versatility? Heart?

I know enough to recognize I can't tell much by watching You Tube. I watched Julius Jones demonstrate how not to do things over the last two years. Living in Central Florida, I got to see Kevin Smith in a number of games. My assessment is that he, at a minimum, has vision, acceleration, and heart. I believe all of those things are necessary to be good back in the NFL. They are probably not sufficient to make him a "sure bet." It'll be interesting to see where he is selected.

[playmakers]

I dont know if hes the best but watching the 41 carry highlite this guy, to me, runs just like Corey Dillion.

[jobberone]

NO! He is a 2nd round pick. I give him a 50/50 chance to be a starter in this league and a 10/90 chance of being a part-time player. I think he's a pretty good ballplayer but he's not a star in this league.

[Randy White]

seem to forget that another Smith wasn't the best RB in his draft either. He wasn't the fastest, he wasn't the biggest, he wasn't the strongest, or the quickest. Hell, he might have dropped all the way to the second round if John Wooten hadn't conviced Jimmah Jenius to take a chance on him.

Yet all he did was win 4 rushing tittles, 3 Superbowls, and ended up with more yards than anybody in the history of the game.

Keep that in mind when you're assigning " grades " to Kevin.


:starspin

[Joe Rod]

MBIII was a fourth round pick, Witten was a third round pick, and Romo was undrafted. They all went to the Pro-Bowl last year if I remember correctly. People tend to forget that we can only Draft two first rounders and if a running back isn't picked, then there will still be some great backs to be had in the second round. Kevin Smith would be a good pick.

[Chuck 54]

Well, I certainly wasn't impressed with the UAB highlights. I watched the first two plays,and in both the UAB defense was pushed 7 yards back off the line, yet Smith was still tackled both plays by the first guy to enter the picture.

He's not the best RB in the draft...not even close.

For the record, these youtube videos of most rb's suck...they almost always open with a guy streaking down the field...BFD...show me a guy making defenders miss in the hole or lowering a shoulder and dragging someone 3 yards or powering through defenders into the endzone. Anyone with speed can motor 80 yards in the open field with hardly any moves...doesn't impress me.

[Oh_Canada]

Reminds me a little of Ryan Grant.

[JaiRiid]

check out his T-shirt... seems like he is ready to wear the star

http://www.imkevinsmith.com/video/video/show?id=2028610%3AVideo%3A1948

His agent is Drew Rosenhaus who is convinced that Kevin Smith is the best back in the draft. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPkVnf91SZw&NR=1

[tyke1doe]

His agent is Drew Rosenhaus who is convinced that Kevin Smith is the best back in the draft. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPkVnf91SZw&NR=1

An agent believes his client is the best in the NFL? No way. :rolleyes: :D

[tyke1doe]

the Cowboys use 2 have a RB named Smith that ran a little upright, just couldnt tell as much since he was a little "short" for an NFL RB, and had a glide to his style.....lol ;)

Emmitt ran upright? :confused:

[Rack Bauer]

Is Kevin Smith The Best Runningback in the NFL DRAFT?


http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/KLN/SM117~No-Farting-Symbol-Posters.jpg

[Rack Bauer]

Emmitt ran upright? :confused:

No, he didn't. Not even close.


Someone doesn't know wth he's talking about.

[Rack Bauer]

I don't think there's any way Rice makes it to our second round pick. Had the draft been a month ago, I don't think he would've made it there. IMO, he's been on the radar of NFL talent evaluators since the end of the season.

If we want him, I think we'll have to "bundle" (as Jerry says) and move significantly up in round two.

#28


He's worth the pick. No need to get all cute about it, just pick 'em.

:star:

[AsthmaField]

#28


He's worth the pick. No need to get all cute about it, just pick 'em.

:star:


I don't really disagree with that. While I do think he could last a few more picks and possibly a little into round 2... I think he's going to be good enough to pick at #28. The guy is going to simply make yards, first downs and touchdowns... even if he doesn't break a lot of "long" runs. Those will win plenty of ballgames.

Jerry mentioned last year that we are a team that is "close" and instead of quanity we need quality players. He said he made a mistake drafting for backups in the mid 90's and that he wished he had "bundled" picks to get guys that can make a difference.

That's one reason I think getting a RB to "compliment" Barber is stupid. Just get the best RB we can and let him compete for playing time with Marion.

Anyway, back to "bundleing". Most think about moving up in round 1 to get an impact player but it could be done in round two (or any other I suppose)as well.

We could use pick #22 and pick #28 on players we like and then using some later picks along with our second rounder "bundle" up to early in the second to take Ray Rice (assuming our scouts like him that much).

Or, we could "bundle" with our two #1's to move up for a player we really like and then "bundle" up in the second round for a player like Rice or someone else we really like.

There are many ways to go... but I agree with the general idea that we need quality and not quantity. Get fewer guys who are players we really think can help... Not a lot of low rounders that have little chance of making our talented roster.

[ThreeSportStar80]

seem to forget that another Smith wasn't the best RB in his draft either. He wasn't the fastest, he wasn't the biggest, he wasn't the strongest, or the quickest. Hell, he might have dropped all the way to the second round if John Wooten hadn't conviced Jimmah Jenius to take a chance on him.

Yet all he did was win 4 rushing tittles, 3 Superbowls, and ended up with more yards than anybody in the history of the game.

Keep that in mind when you're assigning " grades " to Kevin.


:starspin

Exactly... When I watch Kevin Smith run, I don't see anyone catching him from behind. I believe Emmitt Smith gave him an endorsement if I'm not mistaken.

[tomson75]

Exactly... When I watch Kevin Smith run, I don't see anyone catching him from behind. I believe Emmitt Smith gave him an endorsement if I'm not mistaken.

That's a ridiculous comment. Do you conveniently close your eyes every time he gets to the second level?

[ThreeSportStar80]

That's a ridiculous comment. Do you conveniently close your eyes every time he gets to the second level?

Even the great ones get caught from behind but you folks are making it seem like he has NO second gear... I don't know what film you're watching honestly.

Have you played the game??? And I'm not referring to Tecmo Bowl or John Madden...

[zeromaster]

'bundleing' sounds like something you'd do during Oktoberfest. :)

[tomson75]

Even the great ones get caught from behind but you folks are making it seem like he has NO second gear... I don't know what film you're watching honestly.

Have you played the game??? And I'm not referring to Tecmo Bowl or John Madden...

Who the hell are you talking to? I haven't said anything about him not having ANY second gear. You are the one exaggerating here. Not me.

...and yes, I have played the game...threesportstar :rolleyes: Sure.

[ThreeSportStar80]

Who the hell are you talking to? I haven't said anything about him not having ANY second gear. You are the one exaggerating here. Not me.

...and yes, I have played the game...threesportstar :rolleyes: Sure.

I guess I'm talking to the guy that had something to say in regards to my previous post...

[AsthmaField]

'bundleing' sounds like something you'd do during Oktoberfest. :)


:laugh2:

That's a "Jerryism" for you.

Like: "We need to package some of our picks and "bundle" up so we can get a player who looks really good in the shower."

[RealCowboyfan]

Kevin Smith is one of the type of backs that has "IT". He has home-run ability, power, catch, blocking ability, and is durable. What more can you ask for?

He's the most balanced back in the draft...

[ThreeSportStar80]

Kevin Smith is one of the type of backs that has "IT". He has home-run ability, power, catch, blocking ability, and is durable. What more can you ask for?

He's the most balanced back in the draft...

That basically sums it up right there... I agree.

[jobberone]

That basically sums it up right there... I agree.

Not sure the guy has the best balance of draftees but he's has got good balance. I like several backs a good deal better than Smith. I'm not certain I can sell my opinion but I feel comfortable with it.

I wouldn't be upset if we spent a second on him esp that deep into the second.

[RealCowboyfan]

The guy is a bruiser and delivers violent blows to the would-be-tacklers. But overall if I had to choose one runningback on who I thought that had the best vision in the draft it would be Steve Slaton from West Virginia. I would hope Cowboys use a 5th or 6th Round on him. This guy is faster than quick and I believe he would be an Devin Hester on Kick Return and Punt Return....