Interesting. So the consensus top LB prospect in his draft class who projected as a top 5 pick is not an "intelligent" player according to you.
What are you basing your opinion on? Not the football evaluators who don't just rave about his athleticism, but also his awareness and play recognition.
In your opinion-- what makes him an "unintelligent" player?
I really don't care what the "consensus" says - the "consensus" often has players at the top of the draft board, many times those players never pan out. I watch film, I make my conclusions, and I bring them here when they are appropriate.
You didn't make an argument except appeal to authority - I'm not interested in it. If we were all to shut out mouths and just go by what the scouts say, the draft zone would be quite dead and useless, now wouldn't it?
"What are you basing your opinion on"
This is the deal - when you respond to me, I expect you to read, okay chief? You can get away playing dumb with other posters, not with me. We got this settled? Okay, if you're still keeping up. We'll move on.
I watched every game that Draft Breakdown had put up - they had a lot of games from him the season before he blew out his knee, and a few until it happened. The latter half of 2014 I didn't like what I saw, he overran and often bit on play actions - this to me shows he either 1. Overthinks 2. Isn't a high IQ guy. What HE DOES HAVE makes up for that, high motor and athletics and is normally a very good tackler.
There are differences between players like Lee and Smith - Lee makes up for what he lacks with athletics because he is a high IQ and can diagnose plays instantly, Smith I already told you how he makes up for his weaknesses. With Lee and Smith, once he is 100%, they should go well together. However, I do view Smith as a "special talent" - I view him as a player who be really good to a great LB for some time, but that's it and that's fine. It's one of the reasons I'm not as hyped and I sure as hell don't expect him to be anywhere near great this season - we may not see this until mid next season if he stays healthy.
Something to watch to see his positives and negatives in full action - though, in this game it actually seems he gives up on a few plays. Rod won't allow him to give up, so I have no worries here. Play to the whistle with him.
