People are gonna crap when Smith gets bulldozed playing the middle. He should strictly be a strong side LBer. But this coaching staff is gonna play it cute....Just watch.
Smith would play the WILL ideally but does have flex and ability to play MLB.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter, Smith started at outside linebacker in Notre Dame’s 3-4 scheme in 2013 before moving to weakside linebacker the past two seasons when the Irish went to a 4-3 base – also put his hand on the ground as an edge rusher at times. A special athlete for the position, Smith jumps off the screen with his sudden pursuit speed and twitchy movements, which compliments his quick-thinking play style. He recognizes things quickly and sniffs out plays with his diagnose skills, putting himself in correct position to close ground in an instant as a run defender and cover in man. Smith does have room to improve his discipline and anticipation, but he is dripping with natural talent and intangibles – type of playmaker you wind up and let loose. Smith, who Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly calls the best player he has ever coached, offers the scheme versatility that will appeal to all 32 teams. He is one of the best players in the 2016 class, but his Jan. 2016 knee surgery puts his draft projection in limbo – might still hear his name called in the top-100, but will require a redshirt year as a NFL rookie.
Brugler summary above!
