All 'position flex' isnt the same, if we took Zion (and used him as a CENTER) for example he'd be moving from Guard to a more technical position. The view on Smith is that his traits and physical abilities will play in more confined Guard position (meaning less penalties) whilst he gets acclimatised to the big boy league.
What we overlook is that he's young (only just turned 21) and therefore 2022 will be somewhat developmental ....for the majority of that time as a Guard and get his toe's wet when Tyron goes down.
Just not a fan of getting tons of reps, sets, and technique in one position— only to move him to another position and do it all over again.
Some guys can do it. Larry Allen. Micah Parsons etc…. I think it can stunt the development of other players sometimes.
If a guy has played multiple positions in college— then sure— you have a baseline to work from. And if you like the traits of an OT and want him to be a G— fine. Put him there and make the change.
What I am advocating against mostly is what apparently we want to do with Smith— start him in a new position and get him reps as a swing OT.
Go and sign another OT. Let the kid learn G bc he has never played it before and we need him to play well as a starter this year.
If you want him as a LT at some point— make the decision and then give him an offseason to train and focus on it.